As part of the District of New Jersey’s continuing response to the ongoing public health emergency and in light of updated public health guidance and the current extent of the spread of COVID-19 in the state, on August 23, 2022, Chief Judge Freda L. Wolfson of the District of New Jersey issued Standing Order 2022-02, which updated the District’s COVID Safety Protocols.  Standing Order 2022-02 includes the following key provisions:

• The District’s previous requirement of proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result as a condition of entry to a courthouse has been rescinded;
• The wearing of masks is now optional in most situations within the District of New Jersey’s court facilities, and will be required only when a courthouse is in a county that has a “high” COVID-19 community transmission level; and
• Notwithstanding the foregoing, the presiding judicial officer may direct that appropriate masks be worn (or removed) during any in-Court proceedings by any person and regardless of vaccination status.

A full copy of Standing Order 2022-02 may be found here.

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