Press Release

Press Release  Supreme Judicial Court Issues Order Relaxing Mask Mandate in State Courthouses

For immediate release:
3/21/2022
  • Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
  • Massachusetts Court System

Media Contact   for Supreme Judicial Court Issues Order Relaxing Mask Mandate in State Courthouses

Jennifer Donahue and Erika Gully-Santiago

BOSTON, MAThe Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) issued a new order today regarding access to Massachusetts state courthouses, which relaxes the requirements with respect to the wearing of masks, effective March 23, 2022.

The order continues to encourage the wearing of masks inside courthouses to protect against the transmission of COVID-19, especially by those who are at increased risk for severe disease or are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. Masks are no longer required, however, except under certain identified circumstances.

The order also continues to prohibit entry into courthouses by persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the previous 5 days, have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, are not up to date on vaccinations and have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 within the last 5 days, are awaiting test results after experiencing symptoms, or should be in isolation or quarantine.

Court access and operations may be adjusted at any time as the courts continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation across the Commonwealth.

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Media Contact   for Supreme Judicial Court Issues Order Relaxing Mask Mandate in State Courthouses

  • Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court 

    The Supreme Judicial Court is the Commonwealth's highest appellate court.
  • Massachusetts Court System 

    The Massachusetts court system consists of the Supreme Judicial Court, the Appeals Court, the Executive Office of the Trial Court, the 7 Trial Court departments, the Massachusetts Probation Service, and the Office of Jury Commissioner.
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