The U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska is maintaining regular operations at the time, but precautions are in place due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Chief U.S. District Judge John M. Gerrard issued a general order on coronavirus Wednesday, and it requires notification of opposing counsel and the court whenever a person at risk of transmitting the new virus is scheduled to be involved in a legal proceeding to include a hearing, trial, conference or deposition. They may not participate in a proceeding without authorization by the court.

“A public health emergency has been declared in the United States, and guidance from public health officials suggests that one of the most effective ways to protect against the spread of this disease is to limit exposure, particularly to persons at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness,” the order states.

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts said that individual federal courts are coordinating with state and local health officials and that some, like Nebraska, have issued orders. Attorneys practicing before other federal courts should check whether any COVID-19 orders are in effect.

The Administrative Office has organized a task force to provide a point of contact to share guidance with the federal judiciary.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., announced it has removed some arguments scheduled for its April sitting, relying only on briefs for those cases. It will use teleconferencing for attorneys located outside of the D.C. area. The District of Columbia declared a public health emergency and state of emergency last week, allowing mandatory quarantines.

The U.S. Supreme Court has closed its building to the public, and so far it has not extended case filing deadlines. Public lecture and visitor programs have been temporarily suspended.

Find a copy of Gerrard’s order at bit.ly/nebfedcovidorder.