Courts impose self-quarantine for some travelers

In further efforts to protect the health and safety of judges, courts personnel, and the public, Chief Justice Charles T. Canady has ordered self-quarantine for judges, officers and employees who will personally travel internationally, on a cruise, or to locations in the United States where COVID-19 is being transmitted by community spread.

“(T)he health, safety, and well-being of courthouse visitors, court employees, and judicial officers are a high priority for the Florida State Courts System,” Chief Justice Canady wrote in the administrative order issued Monday, March 16.

The order reflects the declared state of emergency by the governor and the public health emergency declared by the state’s surgeon general and state health officer.

Its provisions include:

• Advance notice to their chief judges is required of judges, officers and employees who will personally travel internationally, on a cruise, or to an area of the of the United States experiencing community spread of COVID-19
• Those individuals will be prohibited from returning to work for 14 days upon their return. If no symptoms occur within the 14 days, they may return to work, subject to further requirements imposed by the U.S. Center for Disease Control & Prevention or state public health agencies.

Monday’s administrative order is the latest action taken in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Earlier, Chief Justice Canady ordered most jury trials suspended and limited official travel. Jurisdictions around the state have also implemented their own steps in response, including encouraging remote proceedings, limiting access to courthouse facilities, authorizing remote work for judges and employees, and implementing cleaning and disinfecting protocols in facilities used by courts personnel.

Individuals and employees are urged to monitor websites, social media, and other means of communications for updates and further guidance.