ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland courts are strengthening health measures regarding mask-wearing in judicial facilities in response to modified COVID-19 protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera announced Friday that masks will be required for everyone except children aged 2 and under, regardless of vaccination status in state courthouses and judicial facilities in jurisdictions that have a CDC transmission rating of “substantial” or “high.”

The new rule goes into effect Monday.

In addition, masks will be required in state courthouses and judicial facilities for a 14-day stabilization period, after a return from “high” or “substantial” to “moderate” or “low” transmission levels.

At this time, all courts in Maryland are fully operational with the resumption of jury trials in criminal and civil cases in circuit courts statewide.

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