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New York StateUnified Court System

COVID Screening Protocol For Entering a Courthouse


UCS COVID Entry Policy- Effective August 13, 2021

The Court System is committed to following the most up-to-date guidance issued by public health authorities in order to help ensure the health and safety of all court employees and court users.

COVID Screening Protocol:

All visitors to UCS courthouses and other court facilities are required to submit to temperature screening and questioning before being granted entrance. This includes parties, attorneys, witnesses, jurors, spectators, law enforcement officers, prisoners, vendors, and all other non-court system personnel.  Visitors with a temperature of 100.0degrees F. or higher will not be permitted to enter the courthouse or a court-related facility.

 

Mask Protocol:

All visitors entering a courthouse or court-related facility are required to wear a mask or face covering while inside.  Persons without a mask or face covering will not be permitted to enter.

 

Status of Green Attorney/Agency Passes and White Visitor Pass Programs:

Effective as of August 13, 2021, and until further notice, these Entry Pass Programs temporarily have been suspended.  We thank those of you who signed up for these programs and appreciate your cooperation and understanding that a return to a mandated mask program for everyone at this time is consistent with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 

You Should NOT Enter a Courthouse if You:

  • Have flu-like symptoms; or
  • Have recently tested positive for COVID, or have been directed to quarantine, isolate or self-monitor at home for the coronavirus by any doctor, hospital, or health agency; or
  • Have recently had close contact with a person testing positive for COVID (unless you are fully vaccinated or have recently recovered from COVID*); or
  • Have returned from international travel within the last 10 days (unless you have recovered from COVID within the past 3 months, are fully vaccinated or have returned 8-10 days ago and have received a negative viral COVID test 3-5 days after your return**).

* If you are covered by this close contact exemption, please be prepared to provide proof of vaccination or recent recovery from COVID.
** If you are covered by this exemption, please be prepared to provide proof of your test results.

Please Note: The guidelines listed here, current as of August 13, 2021, are subject to amendment in accordance with changing directives of State and federal health authorities. Check back here for updates.