Revised screening procedures for visitors who traveled out of state

Date: 2/22/2021

The Maine Judicial Branch announced today that it has revised screening procedures to align more closely with the guidelines from the Maine CDC. Courthouse visitors who have been out of state recently must complete a certification concerning their possible exposure to COVID-19 in addition to answering updated screening questions before being allowed to enter. The procedures are detailed in a revised Appendix A and new Appendix B to the Judicial Branch's COVID-19 Phased Management Plan dated February 17, 2021.

Appendix B of the Plan, "Certificate of Compliance for Out-of-State Travel" provides that in order to enter a courthouse, visitors who have traveled outside of Maine within the last 10 days before their courthouse visit must certify:

  • That they have traveled to a state that is exempt from the testing and quarantine requirements under Maine CDC guidelines; or
  • They received a negative antigen (sometimes called a rapid results) or negative RT-PCR/molecular (sometimes called a swab and send) test result from a test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival at the courthouse, consistent with Maine CDC guidance; or
  • They tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 3 months and have completed the required isolation period, consistent with Maine CDC guidelines.
Visitors unable to complete the certification or who are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will not be permitted to enter a courthouse and will be directed to call the Judicial Branch Service Center at 207-753-2999 for assistance.

Contact: Amy Quinlan, Esq., Director of Court Communications
Phone: (207) 822-0716
Email: amy.quinlan@courts.maine.gov

Supporting documents

Press Release (PDF)

Phased Management Plan Version 6 (PDF)