LOS ANGELES (KNX) — The longstanding face mask mandate comes to an end Monday in Los Angeles County courthouses, though the coverings will still be strongly recommended according to Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor.
“Since the winter COVID-19 surge peaked in L.A. County in mid-January, [the county Department of Public Health] indicates that ‘case and test positivity rates and hospitalizations have consistently declined,’” Taylor said in a March statement.
“While new case reports have declined, [health officials] strongly recommend the use of well-fitting medical masks or respirators for all persons, regardless of vaccination status, in indoor public settings and the Court’s policy will align with this guidance effective April 4.”
Face coverings had been required in the nation’s largest trial court for nearly two years, since June 5, 2020.
In announcing the shift to solely recommending masks, Taylor thanked the public, jurors, court employees and others involved in the court system for getting vaccinated, following public health guidelines and helping L.A. courts “prioritize safe access to justice since March 2020.”
Despite lessened guidelines and a return to in-person trials, Taylor encourages both litigants and attorneys to utilize the court’s “remote courtroom appearance technology and service options.”
The technology, called LACourtConnect, is available for many appearances, including civil, family law, small claims, probate, unlawful detainer, and traffic matters. To register and appear remotely, click here. The system is free of charge.
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