Federal Circuit Courthouse Now Requiring Masks Indefinitely

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit altered its protocols for in-person arguments starting with the September court sitting and continuing indefinitely, requiring masks in the National Courts Building, the court said Thursday. Those not fully vaccinated must also observe social distancing, it added. Only counsel "and no more than one attendee whose presence is necessary to assist or supervise arguing counsel are permitted access" to the courtroom, it said. Non-vaccinated people can't enter the courthouse if they tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days, are awaiting COVID test results, have traveled internationally in the past 14 days, are showing any COVID symptoms or had close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID in the previous 14 days, it said. The Federal Circuit also updated its health and safety certification for in-person arguments, required on the day of the proceedings, and its certification of compliance with the revised protocols for in-person arguments, required ahead of the arguments by all arguing counsel.