DC Federal Courthouse Eyeing Sept. 1 Full Reopening

The Prettyman U.S. Courthouse in Washington isn't ready for a return to pre-pandemic operating status but anticipates reopening fully to the public as soon as Sept. 1 if increases in COVID-19 vaccination rates and declines in new cases continue, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia Chief Beryl Howell ordered Thursday. The judge said it's likely that reopening would still have health and safety protocols being employed in public spaces in the courthouse. Howell said any presiding judge of any court proceeding can determine whether public or media spectators can sit in the courtroom during a proceeding. She said social distancing will be maintained and fully vaccinated courthouse staff and people authorized to use nonpublic areas in the courthouse needn't be masked in those nonpublic areas. She said a presiding judge has discretion to let participants, including jurors and spectators, in a proceeding remove masks while in the courtroom.