Court Operations upon Termination of the COVID-19 National Emergency

Release Date: 
Mon, 05/29/2023

Updated April 11, 2023

The COVID-19 National Emergency Terminated Effective April 10, 2023

President Biden has signed a Congressional resolution ending the national emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The following information reflects the current state of the Court's operations. It is anticipated that this "covid operations" banner will sunset later this year.

  • No Indoor Mask Requirement. Face coverings are not required for entering the courthouses or in common areas. See General Order 12-22. Individuals are free to wear masks based on personal preference, informed by their personal health risks. The Courthouses are open to the public for scheduled public events and tours.
  • In-Person Proceedings. There are no restrictions on in-person proceedings. Trials, evidentiary hearings, and motions are proceeding in-person or virtually at the discretion of the assigned judge. Visit the chambers web page of your assigned judge for additional information.
  • Clerk’s Office is Open to the Public. The public lobbies and intake counters are open in bankruptcy clerk's offices in Seattle and Tacoma. In addition to providing in-person services, Clerk's office staff are available during business hours by phone, ECF help email and online chat . Unrepresented parties may submit documents using the Court’s electronic filing portal or the drop boxes located in the lobby of each courthouse.
  • The Clerk’s Office No Longer Accepts Cash. Parties can make online payments, or send a money order or certified funds to the Clerk's office by mail.

U.S. Trustee Program Conducts Telephonic or Video Section 341 Meetings

The U.S. Trustee Program continues to conduct section 341 meetings by telephone or video appearance. The U.S. Trustee may approve a request by a trustee in a particular case to continue the section 341 meeting to an in-person meeting if the U.S. Trustee determines that an in-person examination of the debtor is required to ensure the completeness of the meeting or the protection of estate property. This policy may be revised at the discretion of the Director of the United States Trustee Program.