Coronavirus (COVID-19) Orders and Notices

Published December 6, 2022

Due to the resumption of in-person activities, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana will no longer accept sealed documents by email after December 31, 2022. Beginning on January 1, 2023, sealed documents must be hand delivered, with original signatures, to the Intake Unit of the Clerk’s office during regular business hours or mailed to the Clerk’s Office (Attn: Room C-151, Intake Unit). 

The email inbox sealeddocs@laed.uscourts.gov will be deactivated on January 1, 2023, and will not be monitored thereafter. 

For any sealed documents submitted by email up until December 31, 2022, filers must still use the encrypted “Send Securely” option in their email, if available. Documents should be in PDF format and include an electronic signature of the filing attorney.

Published November 14, 2022

The Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana hereby issues General Order No. 22-7, extending COVID-19 General Order No. 22-6, COVID-19 General Order No. 22-5, COVID-19 General Order No. 22-1, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-16, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-13, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-7, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-3, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-14, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-11, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-8, and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 until December 31, 2022.

COVID-19 General Order 22-7: CARES Act Extension

Published August 17, 2022

The Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 22-6, extending COVID-19 General Order No. 22-5, COVID-19 General Order No. 22-1, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-16, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-13, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-7, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-3, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-14, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-11, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-8, and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 for an additional ninety days or until November 15, 2022.

COVID-19 General Order 22-6: CARES Act Extension

Published May 23, 2022

The Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 22-5, extending COVID-19 General Order No. 22-1, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-16, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-13, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-7, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-3, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-14, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-11, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-8, and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 for an additional ninety days or until August 21, 2022.

COVID-19 General Order 22-5: CARES Act Extension

Published March 24, 2022

The Court hereby vacates Amended COVID-19 General Order 20-1, dated September 28, 2020, setting forth courthouse visitation and access restrictions for the U.S. District Courthouse and the Hale Boggs Federal Building. This order is directed to visitors of the courthouse and non-employees. Each agency shall make its own decision regarding COVID-19 screening policies for its employees. Visitors should contact individual judges and/or agencies about their specific COVID-19 screening policies for entry into those specific premises.

COVID-19 General Order 22-4: Vacating Amended General Order 20-1

Published March 22, 2022

The Court hereby vacates COVID-19 General Order 21-15, dated October 22, 2021, requiring all individuals to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entry into the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. This order is directed to visitors of the courthouse and non-employees. Each agency shall make its own decision regarding vaccination policies for its employees. Visitors should contact individual judges and/or agencies about their specific COVID-19 policies for entry into those specific premises.

COVID-19 General Order 22-3: Vacating Vaccination and Testing Requirement

Published March 11, 2022

The Court hereby vacates COVID-19 General Order 21-10, dated July 29, 2021, requiring all individuals to wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth to enter the Hale Boggs Federal Building or Courthouse unless they present medical documentation stating that they are unable to wear a mask for health reasons.
The Court further amends COVID-19 General Order 21-15, dated October 22, 2021, and Amended COVID-19 General Order 20-01, dated September 28, 2020, to the extent they mandate the wearing of masks while in the Courthouse or Hale Boggs Federal Building.
Accordingly, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, masks are no longer required to enter, or while inside, the U.S. Courthouse for the Eastern District of Louisiana or the Hale Boggs Federal Building. When appearing in court, visiting any judge’s chambers, or visiting a particular agency, check in advance regarding the judge’s or agency’s individual preference regarding masks. This order is directed to visitors of the courthouse and non-employees. Each agency shall make its own decision regarding mask mandates for its employees.

COVID-19 General Order 22-2: Mask Mandate Lifted

Published Feb 24, 2022

The Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 22-1, extending COVID-19 General Order No. 21-16, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-13, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-7, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-3, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-14, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-11, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-8, and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 (attached as Exhibit A to this Order and incorporated herein by reference) for an additional ninety days or until May 25, 2022.

COVID-19 General Order 22-1: CARES Act Extension

Published Dec 20, 2021

To combat the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), given the severity of risks posed to the public, Court staff, and other Court agencies, the undersigned Chief Judge issued General Order No. 21-15, effective on November 1, 2021. Since the order, there have been instances when attorneys practicing before the Court, their employees, and witnesses subpoenaed or otherwise instructed by attorneys to appear at the courthouse have entered without the proper credentials outlined above and have necessitated that the Court supply, at Court expense, a rapid test to be self-administered prior to entry. Accordingly, General Order No. 21-15 is hereby AMENDED effective December 20, 2021, as follows:

All individuals seeking entry to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (including District Judges’ chambers and courtrooms, Magistrate Judges’ chambers and courtrooms, the Clerk’s Office, the U.S. Probation Office, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court) must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours before entry. If anyone needing to enter the courthouse does not have the required credentials, the Court will provide a rapid test to be self-administered prior to entry subject to the following paragraph.

Attorneys admitted to practice before this Court, as well as their employees and witnesses, must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entry. Attorneys who fail to comply with this Order and/or fail to ensure that their employees and witnesses comply with this Order may be sanctioned by the Court, including, but not limited to, being ordered to reimburse the Court the cost of the rapid test plus an administrative fee, totaling $200.00 per instance.

COVID-19 General Order 21-17: Amending Order 21-15

Published Dec 1, 2021

The Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 21-16, extending COVID-19 General Order No. 21-13, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-7, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-3, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-14, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-11, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-8, and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 (attached as Exhibit A to this Order and incorporated herein by reference) for an additional ninety days or until March 1, 2022.

COVID-19 General Order 21-16: CARES Act Extension

Published October 22, 2021

To combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), given the severity of risks posed to the public, Court staff, and other Court agencies, the undersigned as Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana hereby orders as follows, effective November 1, 2021:

All individuals seeking entry to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana (including District Judges’ chambers and courtrooms, Magistrate Judges’ chambers and courtrooms, the Clerk’s Office, the U.S. Probation Office, and the Bankruptcy Court) must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before entry. If anyone needing to enter the courthouse does not have the required credentials, the Court will provide a rapid test to be self-administered prior to entry. The mask mandate and COVID-19 screening requirements, applicable to the entire Hale Boggs Federal Building, remain in effect for the United States District Court.

COVID-19 General Order 21-15: Proof of Vaccination or Negative COVID Test Required to Enter the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana

Published September 7, 2021

The Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 21-13, extending COVID-19 General Order No. 21-7, COVID-19 General Order No. 21-3, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-14, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-11, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-8, and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 (attached as Exhibit A to this Order and incorporated herein by reference) for an additional ninety days or until December 6, 2021.

COVID-19 General Order 21-13: CARES Act Extension

Published August 18, 2021

To combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), given the severity of risks posed to the public, Court staff, and other Court agencies, and considering the recent surge of COVID-19 cases within the 13 parishes encompassing the Eastern District of Louisiana caused by the Delta variant, the undersigned as Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana issued COVID-19 General Order No. 21-11 ordering that:
  1) All civil and criminal jury trials are suspended until September 20, 2021 and will be reset by each presiding judge. Those continuances do not continue any pending deadlines other than the trial dates. Attorneys should contact the presiding judges in their continued cases if they seek to modify such other deadlines.
  2) With regard to criminal matters, due to the Court's reduced ability to safely obtain an adequate spectrum of jurors and the effect of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases on the ability of counsel and Court staff to be safely present in the courtroom, the time period of the postponements implemented by this general order will be excluded under the Speedy Trial Act, as the Court specifically finds that the ends of justice served by ordering the postponements outweigh the best interest of the public and any defendant's right to a speedy trial, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(A).

COVID-19 General Order 21-11: Suspending Jury Trials

Published July 29, 2021

Considering recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Louisiana, and the City of New Orleans, all individuals must wear a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth to enter the Hale Boggs Federal Building or Courthouse unless they present medical documentation stating that they are unable to wear a mask for health reasons.  All individuals are required to distance 6 feet apart from other individuals while moving through the building. 

COVID-19 General Order 21-10: Mask Requirements & Social Distancing

Published June 14, 2021

The Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 21-7, extending COVID-19 General Order No. 21-3COVID-19 General Order No. 20-14COVID-19 General Order No. 20-11COVID-19 General Order No. 20-8 and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 for an additional ninety days or until September 12, 2021.

COVID-19 General Order 21-7: CARES Act Extension.

Published May 19, 2021

Considering recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Louisiana, and the City of New Orleans, individuals who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask to enter the Hale Boggs Federal Building or Courthouse; nor are fully vaccinated individuals required to distance 6 feet apart from other individuals while moving through the building. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their final COVID-19 vaccine shot.

COVID-19 General Order 21-6: Mask Requirements & Social Distancing.

Published April 5, 2021

To combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), given the severity of risks posed to the public, Court staff, and other Court agencies, and considering the public health recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the undersigned Chief Judge for United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana hereby issues this order, which amends COVID-19 General Order No. 20-6, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-9, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-10, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-13, and COVID-19 General Order No. 21-1 (attached as Exhibit A to this Order and incorporated herein by reference) to extend certain deadlines addressed therein as follows. 

1. All civil and criminal jury trials are suspended until June 7, 2021 and will be reset by each presiding judge. Those continuances do not continue any pending deadlines other than the trial dates. Attorneys should contact the presiding judges in their continued cases if they seek to modify such other deadlines. 

2. With regard to criminal matters, due to the Court’s reduced ability to obtain an adequate spectrum of jurors and the effect of the recommendations of the health organizations mentioned in Exhibit A on the ability of counsel and Court staff to be present in the courtroom, the time period of the postponements implemented by this administrative order will be excluded under the Speedy Trial Act, as the Court specifically finds that the ends of justice served by ordering the postponements outweigh the best interest of the public and any defendant’s right to a speedy trial, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§ 3161(h)(7)(A).

COVID-19 General Order 21-4: Continuing Jury Trials.

Published March 17, 2021

The Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 21-3, extending COVID-19 General Order No. 20-14,  COVID-19 General Order No. 20-11,  COVID-19 General Order No. 20-8 and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 for an additional ninety days or until June 15, 2021. 

COVID-19 General Order 21-3: re CARES Act Extension.

Published March 16, 2021

CVB violation dockets have been continued as indicated below:

Magistrate Judge North:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 31, 2020, May 5, 2020, June 9, 2020, July 14, 2020, August 18, 2020, September 22, 2020, October 27, 2020, December 1, 2020, January 5, 2021, February 9, 2021, March 16, 2021 and April 20, 2021, have been reset for hearing on May 25, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Douglas:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 17, 2020, June 30, 2020, August 4, 2020, October 13, 2020, November 17, 2020, December 22, 2020, January 26, 2021 and March 2, 2021, have been reset for hearing on April 6, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Chief Magistrate Judge Roby:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on February 2, 2021 have been reset for hearing on April 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Currault:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 14, 2020, May 19, 2020, June 23, 2020, July 28, 2020, September 1, 2020, October 6, 2020, December 15, 2020, February 23, 2021 and March 30, 2021 have been reset for hearing on May 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge van Meerveld:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 7, 2020, April 21, 2020, May 12, 2020, June 16, 2020, July 21, 2020, August 25, 2020, September 29, 2020, November 3, 2020, December 8, 2020, January 12, 2021,  March 23, 2021, and April 27, 2021 have been reset for hearing on June 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Published February 12, 2021

CVB violation dockets have been continued as indicated below:

Magistrate Judge North:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 31, 2020, May 5, 2020, June 9, 2020, July 14, 2020, August 18, 2020, September 22, 2020, October 27, 2020, December 1, 2020, January 5, 2021 and February 9, 2021 have been reset for hearing on March 16, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Douglas:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 17, 2020, June 30, 2020, August 4, 2020, October 13, 2020, November 17, 2020, December 22, 2020, January 26, 2021 and March 2, 2021, have been reset for hearing on April 6, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Chief Magistrate Judge Roby:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on February 2, 2021 have been reset for hearing on April 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Currault:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 14, 2020, May 19, 2020, June 23, 2020, July 28, 2020, September 1, 2020, October 6, 2020, December 15, 2020 and February 23, 2021 have been reset for hearing on May 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge van Meerveld:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 7, 2020, April 21, 2020, May 12, 2020, June 16, 2020, July 21, 2020, August 25, 2020, September 29, 2020, November 3, 2020, December 8, 2020, January 12, 2021,  March 23, 2021, and April 27, 2021 have been reset for hearing on June 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Published January 27, 2021

Magistrate Judge Douglas:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 17, 2020, June 30, 2020, August 4, 2020, October 13, 2020, November 17, 2020, December 22, 2020 and January 26, 2021 have been reset for hearing on March 2, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Chief Magistrate Judge Roby:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on February 2, 2021 have been reset for hearing on April 13, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge North:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 31, 2020, May 5, 2020, June 9, 2020, July 14, 2020, August 18, 2020, September 22, 2020, October 27, 2020, December 1, 2020, January 5, 2021 and February 9, 2021 have been reset for hearing on March 16, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Currault:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 14, 2020, May 19, 2020, June 23, 2020, July 28, 2020, September 1, 2020, October 6, 2020, December 15, 2020 and February 23, 2021 have been reset for hearing on May 18, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge van Meerveld:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 7, 2020, April 21, 2020, May 12, 2020, June 16, 2020, July 21, 2020, August 25, 2020, September 29, 2020, November 3, 2020, December 8, 2020, January 12, 2021,  March 23, 2021, and April 27, 2021 have been reset for hearing on June 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Published January 15, 2021

COVID-19 General Order 21-1: Civil and Criminal Jury Trials Suspended until May 1, 2021.

To combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), given the severity of risks posed to the public, Court staff, and other Court agencies, and considering the public health recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the undersigned Chief Judge for United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana hereby issues this order, which amends COVID-19 General Order No. 20-6, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-9, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-10, and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-13 (attached as Exhibit A to this Order and incorporated herein by reference) to extend certain deadlines addressed therein as follows.

1. All civil and criminal jury trials are suspended until May 1, 2021 and will be reset by each presiding judge. Those continuances do not continue any pending deadlines other than the trial dates. Attorneys should contact the presiding judges in their continued cases if they seek to modify such other deadlines.

2. With regard to criminal matters, due to the Court’s reduced ability to obtain an adequate spectrum of jurors and the effect of the recommendations of the health organizations mentioned in Exhibit A on the ability of counsel and Court staff to be present in the courtroom, the time period of the postponements implemented by this administrative order will be excluded under the Speedy Trial Act, as the Court specifically finds that the ends of justice served by ordering the postponements outweigh the best interest of the public and any defendant’s right to a speedy trial, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§ 3161(h)(7)(A).

COVID-19 General Order 21-1: Civil and Criminal Jury Trials Suspended until May 1, 2021.

Published December 22, 2020

CVB violation dockets have been continued as indicated below:

Magistrate Judge Douglas:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 17, 2020, June 30, 2020, August 4, 2020, October 13, 2020, November 17, 2020 and December 22, 2020, have been reset for hearing on January 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge North:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 31, 2020, May 5, 2020, June 9, 2020, July 14, 2020, August 18, 2020, September 22, 2020, October 27, 2020, December 1, 2020 and January 5, 2021, have been reset for hearing on February 9, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Currault:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 14, 2020, May 19, 2020, June 23, 2020, July 28, 2020, September 1, 2020, October 6, 2020, and December 15, 2020 have been reset for hearing on February 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Chief Magistrate Judge Roby:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 24, 2020, April 28, 2020, June 2, 2020, July 7, 2020, August 11, 2020, September 15, 2020 and October 20, 2020, or were continued following the hearing held on November 24, 2020, have been reset for hearing on April 13, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.  

Magistrate Judge van Meerveld:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 7, 2020, April 21, 2020, May 12, 2020, June 16, 2020, July 21, 2020, August 25, 2020, September 29, 2020, November 3, 2020, December 8, 2020 and January 12, 2021 have been reset for hearing on April 27, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Published December 18, 2020

The Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 20-14, extending COVID-19 General Order No. 20-11,  COVID-19 General Order No. 20-8 and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 for an additional ninety days or until March 18, 2021. 

COVID-19 General Order 20-14: re CARES Act Extension.

Published December 2, 2020

To combat the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), given the severity of risks posed to the public, Court staff, and other Court agencies, and considering the public health recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the undersigned Chief Judge for United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana hereby issues this order, which amends COVID-19 General Order No. 20-6, COVID-19 General Order No. 20-9, and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-10 (attached as Exhibit A to this Order and incorporated herein by reference) to extend certain deadlines addressed therein as follows.

1. All civil and criminal jury trials are suspended until March 1, 2021 and will be reset by each presiding judge. Those continuances do not continue any pending deadlines other than the trial dates. Attorneys should contact the presiding judges in their continued cases if they seek to modify such other deadlines.

2. With regard to criminal matters, due to the Court’s reduced ability to obtain an adequate spectrum of jurors and the effect of the recommendations of the health organizations mentioned in Exhibit A on the ability of counsel and Court staff to be present in the courtroom, the time period of the postponements implemented by this administrative order will be excluded under the Speedy Trial Act, as the Court specifically finds that the ends of justice served by ordering the postponements outweigh the best interest of the public and any defendant’s right to a speedy trial, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§ 3161(h)(7)(A).

COVID-19 General Order 20-13: Continuing Proceeding.

Published December 2, 2020

CVB violation dockets have been continued as indicated below:

Chief Magistrate Judge Roby:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 24, 2020, April 28, 2020, June 2, 2020, July 7, 2020, August 11, 2020, September 15, 2020 and October 20, 2020 have been reset for hearing on November 24, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge van Meerveld:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 7, 2020, April 21, 2020, May 12, 2020, June 16, 2020, July 21, 2020, August 25, 2020, September 29, 2020, November 3, 2020 and December 8, 2020 have been reset for hearing on January 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Douglas:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 17, 2020, June 30, 2020, August 4, 2020, October 13, 2020, November 17, 2020 and December 22, 2020 have been reset for hearing on January 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge North:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 31, 2020, May 5, 2020, June 9, 2020, July 14, 2020, August 18, 2020, September 22, 2020, October 27, 2020, December 1, 2020 and January 5, 2021 have been reset for hearing on February 9, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Currault:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 14, 2020, May 19, 2020, June 23, 2020, July 28, 2020, September 1, 2020, October 6, 2020, and December 15, 2020 have been reset for hearing on February 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Published November 24, 2020

CVB violation dockets have been continued as indicated below:

Chief Magistrate Judge Roby:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 24, 2020, April 28, 2020, June 2, 2020, July 7, 2020, August 11, 2020, September 15, 2020 and October 20, 2020, have been reset for hearing on November 24, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Currault:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 14, 2020, May 19, 2020, June 23, 2020, July 28, 2020, September 1, 2020, October 6, 2020, November 10, 2020 and December 15, 2020 have been reset for hearing on February 23, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge North:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 31, 2020, May 5, 2020, June 9, 2020, July 14, 2020, August 18, 2020, September 22, 2020, October 27, 2020 and December 1, 2020 have been reset for hearing on January 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge van Meerveld:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 7, 2020, April 21, 2020, May 12, 2020, June 16, 2020, July 21, 2020, August 25, 2020, September 29, 2020, November 3, 2020 and December 8, 2020, have been reset for hearing on January 12, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Douglas:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 17, 2020, June 30, 2020, August 4, 2020, October 13, 2020, November 17, 2020 and December 22, 2020, have been reset for hearing on January 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m.

Published November 2, 2020

Effective November 2, 2020, the Hale Boggs Federal Building located at 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, which houses the United States District Court as well as the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, is open to the general public for limited purposes. Please consult with each individual judge’s chambers for specific information on whether proceedings in pending civil and criminal cases will proceed via videoconference or telephone or whether the proceedings will occur in person.

Due to ongoing construction, the Intake and Pro Se Desks of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana will remain closed to the general public. Documents may be filed electronically through the District Court’s electronic filing system, CM-ECF, which remains fully operational.

Unrepresented persons may send filings to the District Court electronically at prosedocs@laed.uscourts.gov; by U.S. mail to The Clerk’s Office, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, 500 Poydras Street, Room C-151, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130; or by facsimile to (504) 310-8159. Unrepresented persons may also submit pleadings in person through a drop box in the U.S. District Courthouse lobby.

Published September 28, 2020

The Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued amended COVID-19 General Order No. 20-1, effective immediately and until this order is rescinded:

The following persons may not enter the U.S. Courthouse in the Eastern District of Louisiana or any offices occupied in the Hale Boggs Federal Building:

  • Persons who have been advised to self-quarantine by any doctor, hospital or health agency within the last 14 days;
  • Persons who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or told to presume they have COVID-19 by a health professional within the last 14 days;
  • Persons who have had contact in the last 14 days with anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or told to presume they have COVID-19 by a health professional, unless the diagnosis was more than 14 days ago and the person diagnosed has been symptom-free for the past 72 hours;
  • Persons who have had cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, or extreme fatigue within the last 14 days, unless the symptoms are attributable to another known condition;
  • Persons who reside with someone who has had cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, or extreme fatigue within the last 14 days, unless the symptoms are attributable to another known condition;
  • Persons who have returned from international travel, a cruise ship, river voyage or returned from travel to a state that has a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19;
  • Persons not wearing a mask or face covering over their nose and mouth unless they present medical documentation stating that they are unable to wear a mask for health reasons; and
  • Persons exhibiting a fever of 100.4 or higher, unless they can present medical documentation that the symptom is attributable to a condition or diagnosis that is not contagious or transmittable.

Anyone attempting to enter in violation of these protocols will be denied entry by a Court Security Officer or the U.S. Marshals Service.

Anyone who has business in the U.S. Courthouse or offices occupied in the Hale Boggs Federal Building but who cannot enter because of this order, should do the following:

  • Persons who are represented by an attorney should contact their attorney;
  • Attorneys, pro se litigants, or witnesses who are scheduled to appear in court before a judge should contact the judge’s case manager directly (contact information can be found on the Court’s website);
  • Persons who are scheduled to meet with a U.S. Probation Officer should contact the U.S. Probation Office at (504) 589-3200;
  • Jurors should contact the Jury Department at (504) 589-7730;
  • Employees reporting to work should contact their supervisor;
  • Persons having business with any other agency housed in the Hale Boggs Federal Building should contact that agency directly;
  • For all other matters, please contact the Clerk’s Office at (504) 589-7600.

It is further ordered that while in the courthouse, all persons must comply with court and security personnel instructions and the following rules:

1. Face Coverings: You must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth in all public areas of the courthouse (including hallways, public counters, elevators and courtrooms), unless you are permitted to remove your mask by an authorized court staff member;

2. Social Distancing: You must adhere to safe social distancing rules by standing or sitting at least six feet away from other individuals. You must abide by markings on floors and benches indicating where you may stand or sit. If you are standing in line, you must keep six feet away from the person in front of you and behind you unless you are taking care of a small child or assisting someone with special needs. Elevator and bathroom capacity will be limited to one person at a time.

3. Instructional Signage: You must abide by all health and hygiene signage throughout the courthouse, including signage regarding masks, social distancing, occupancy restrictions, and hand washing.

Anyone who fails or refuses to abide by these rules will be required to leave the courthouse immediately. Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should self-quarantine and contact their healthcare provider immediately.

COVID-19 General Order 20-1 Amended: Re Courthouse Visitation & Access Restrictions.

Published September 23, 2020

The Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued  COVID-19 General Order No. 20-11, extending COVID-19 General Order No. 20-8 and COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 for an additional ninety days or until December 22, 2020. 

COVID-19 General Order 20-11: re CARES Act Extension.

Published September 2, 2020

CVB violation dockets have been continued as indicated below:

Magistrate Judge van Meerveld:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 7, 2020, April 21, 2020, May 12, 2020, June 16, 2020, July 21, 2020, August 25, 2020, September 29, 2020 and November 3, 2020, have been reset for hearing on December 8, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Currault:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 14, 2020, May 19, 2020, June 23, 2020, July 28, 2020, September 1, 2020, October 6, 2020 and November 10, 2020 have been reset for hearing on December 15, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Douglas:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 17, 2020, June 30, 2020, August 4, 2020, October 13, 2020 and November 17, 2020, have been reset for hearing on December 22, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Chief Magistrate Judge Roby:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 24, 2020, April 28, 2020, June 2, 2020, July 7, 2020, August 11, 2020, September 15, 2020 and October 20, 2020, have been reset for hearing on November 24, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge North:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 31, 2020, May 5, 2020, June 9, 2020, July 14, 2020, August 18, 2020, September 22, 2020 and October 27, 2020 have been reset for hearing on December 1, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Published August 28, 2020

Effective immediately, the Hale Boggs Federal Building located at 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, which houses the United States District Court as well as the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, will remain closed to the general public until November 1, 2020. The District Court and Bankruptcy Court are operating with skeletal crews to perform critical mission responsibilities. Litigants may file documents electronically through the District and Bankruptcy Courts' CM/ECF systems, which remain fully operational. Unrepresented persons may send filings electronically to the District Court at prosedocs@laed.uscourts.gov, by facsimile at (504) 310-8159, or by U.S. Mail to The Clerk's Office, U.S. District Court, 500 Poydras Street, Room C-151, New Orleans, LA 70130. Unrepresented persons may send filings electronically to the Bankruptcy Court at Orders_Clerk@laeb.uscourts.gov, by facsimile to (504) 589-7866, or by U.S. Mail to The Clerk's Office, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 500 Poydras Street, Suite B-601, New Orleans, LA 70130. 
The public is encouraged to use online Court resources for the District Court http://www.laed.uscourts.gov and the Bankruptcy Court http://www.laeb.uscourts.gov or contact the Courts by telephone with any questions. 

Published August 20, 2020

The Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 20-10. The order amends COVID-19 General Order No. 20-9 and COVID-19 General Order 20-6 to extend certain deadlines addressed therein as follows:

1)    All civil and criminal jury trials are suspended until January 1, 2021 and will be reset by each presiding judge. Those continuances do not continue any pending deadlines other than the trial dates. Attorneys should contact the presiding judges in their continued cases if they seek to modify such other deadlines.

2)    With regard to criminal matters, due to the Court’s reduced ability to obtain an adequate spectrum of jurors and the effect of the recommendations of the health organizations mentioned in Exhibit A on the ability of counsel and Court staff to be present in the courtroom, the time period of the postponements implemented by this administrative order will be excluded under the Speedy Trial Act, as the Court specifically finds that the ends of justice served by ordering the postponements outweigh the best interest of the public and any defendant’s right to a speedy trial, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.§ 3161(h)(7)(A).

COVID-19 General Order 20-10: Continuing Proceeding.

Published July 02, 2020

CVB Violation dockets have been continued as indicated below:

Magistrate Judge van Meerveld:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 7, 2020, April 21, 2020, May 12, 2020, June 16, 2020, July 21, 2020 and August 25, 2020 have been reset for hearing on September 29, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Currault:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on April 14, 2020, May 19, 2020, June 23, 2020, July 28, 2020, and September 1, 2020 have been reset for hearing on October 6, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge Douglas:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 17, 2020, June 30, 2020 and August 4, 2020, have been reset for hearing on October 13, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Chief Magistrate Judge Roby:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 24, 2020, April 28, 2020, June 2, 2020, July 7, 2020 and August 11, 2020, have been reset for hearing on September 15, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Magistrate Judge North:  Any tickets received that were set for hearing or were scheduled to be set for hearing on March 31, 2020, May 5, 2020, June 9, 2020, July 14, 2020 and August 18, 2020 have been reset for hearing on September 22, 2020, at 10:00 a.m.

Published June 26, 2020

The Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 20-9. The order amends COVID-19 General Order 20-6 to extend certain deadlines addressed therein as follows:

  1) All civil and criminal jury trials are suspended until October 5, 2020 and will be reset by each presiding judge. Those continuances do not continue any pending deadlines other than the trial dates. Attorneys should contact the presiding judges in their continued cases if they seek to modify such other deadlines. 

  2) With regard to criminal matters, the time period of the postponements implemented by this administrative order will be excluded under the Speedy Trial Act, as the Court specifically finds that the ends of justice served by ordering the postponements outweigh the best interest of the public and any defendant's right to a speedy trial, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(A). 

COVID-19 General Order 20-9: Amendment to General Order 20-6 to Extend Certain Deadlines.

Published June 26, 2020

The Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 20-8, extending COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 for an additional ninety days or until September 24, 2020. 

COVID-19 General Order 20-8: re CARES Act Extension.

Published June 26, 2020

Check out PACER’s newly redesigned, informational and resource website, https://pacer.uscourts.gov. The website provides information about how the public can access federal court records electronically and have easy access to PACER and PACER-related applications. New features include:

• Mobile friendly design; • New tool to search for court-specific information;

• Interactive format to search frequently asked questions; • Search engine has been optimized to improve content findability;

• JSON and XML feeds of court-specific information; and

• New accessibility tools.

In addition, two PACER applications—Manage My Account and Registration—have new designs to create an improved user experience.

Email any feedback to the PACER Service Center.

Published June 18, 2020

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana recently conducted a survey of all attorneys licensed to practice before the court entitled, “COVID-19 & Jury Reconstitution Issues Survey.”  Please select this link to review the survey results.  

Please be aware that the decision to resume in-person hearings and jury trials must take into consideration a number of factors, especially health and safety concerns, and cannot be decided simply by the results of a survey.  Nevertheless, the survey reflects the thoughts of attorneys practicing in this district, which the court considers and respects. 

Published May 15, 2020

In compliance with its congressional mandate and pursuant to the POWER Act, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana is pleased to announce a local radio campaign geared towards reaching those in our community dealing with domestic violence, and informing them that despite COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines, pro bono legal service organizations and domestic violence service providers are fully operational and ready to serve them in their time of need.  To listen to the radio message, please select the play button below.

Published May 12, 2020

Notice to Public Access Terminal Users:

If you need assistance with accessing court documents and are not able, or cannot afford, to use PACER.gov, please call the Clerk’s Office at 504-589-7674.  

Published April 24, 2020

Effective immediately: The Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 20-6, amending COVID-19 General Orders 20-2 through 20-5 to extend certain deadlines addressed therein:  

(1) All civil and criminal jury trials currently suspended until May 1, 2020, are hereby further suspended until August 1, 2020, and will be reset by each presiding judge. Those continuances do not continue any pending deadlines other than the trial dates. Attorneys should contact the presiding judges in their continued cases if they seek to modify such other deadlines.   

(2) With respect to other matters requiring in-person appearances, including bench trials, hearings, conferences or other proceedings in either civil or criminal matters between the date of this order and August 1, 2020, counsel must contact the presiding judge's chambers to determine whether and how the matter will proceed.   

(3) All grand jury proceedings in this District are suspended until August 1, 2020, subject to change upon motion from the government and further orders of the Court.  

(4) With regard to criminal matters, the time period of the postponements implemented by this administrative order will be excluded under the Speedy Trial Act, as the Court specifically finds that the ends of justice served by ordering the postponements outweigh the best interest of the public and any defendant's right to a speedy trial, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(A).  

(5) All events involving the Court or scheduled to be held in the courthouse that are not case-specific, including, but not limited to, continuing legal education courses, public tours, Inns of Court meetings, and naturalization ceremonies conducted by the Court, which are scheduled to occur between May 1, 2020 and August 1, 2020, are hereby cancelled and will be rescheduled when appropriate. 

Please see the Eastern District of Louisiana website, www.laed.uscourts.gov, for additional information and for updates.

COVID-19 General Order 20-6: Amendment to General Order 20-2 to Extend Certain Deadlines

Published April 3, 2020

Effective immediately, the Hale Boggs Federal Building located at 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, which houses the United States District Court as well as the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, is closed to the general public. The District Court and Bankruptcy Court are operating with skeletal crews to perform critical mission responsibilities. Litigants may file documents electronically through the District and Bankruptcy Courts' CM/ECF systems, which remain fully operational. Unrepresented persons may send filings electronically to the District Court at prosedocs@laed.uscourts.gov, by facsimile at (504) 310-8159, or by U.S. Mail to The Clerk's Office, U.S. District Court, 500 Poydras Street, Room C-151, New Orleans, LA 70130. Unrepresented persons may send filings electronically to the Bankruptcy Court at Orders_Clerk@laeb.uscourts.gov, by facsimile to (504) 589-7866, or by U.S. Mail to The Clerk's Office, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 500 Poydras Street, Suite B-601, New Orleans, LA 70130. 
The public is encouraged to use online Court resources for the District Court http://www.laed.uscourts.gov and the Bankruptcy Court http://www.laeb.uscourts.gov or contact the Courts by telephone with any questions. 

COVID-19 General Order 20-5: The Courthouse is Closed To The General Public

Published April 1, 2020 - Updated 5/07/2020

CVB VIOLATION DOCKET CONTINUANCES

CVB Violation dockets have been continued as indicated below:

Violations previously set for March 17, 2020, May 26, 2020 and June 2, 2020 have been reset to June 30, 2020 (Magistrate Judge Douglas)
Violations previously set for March 24, 2020 and April 28, 2020 have been reset to July 7, 2020  (Magistrate Judge Roby)
Violations previously set for April 14, 2020 and May 19, 2020 have been reset to June 23, 2020 (Magistrate Judge Wilkinson)

New violations will be set for hearing as indicated below:

Any tickets received that would be set for hearing on April 21, 2020, shall be set for June 16, 2020 (Magistrate Judge van Meerveld)
Any tickets received that would be set for hearing on April 28, 2020, shall be set for July 7, 2020 (Magistrate Judge Roby)
Any tickets received that would be set for hearing on May 5, 2020, shall be set for July 14, 2020 (Magistrate Judge North)
Any tickets received that would be set for hearing on May 12, 2020, shall be set for July 21, 2020 (Magistrate Judge van Meerveld)
Any tickets received that would be set for hearing on May 19, 2020, shall be set for June 23, 2020 (Magistrate Judge Wilkinson)

Published March 30, 2020

In response to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the United States, the Congress has passed and the President has signed into law the CARES Act, H.R. 748, which authorizes the use of video and telephone conferencing, under certain circumstances and with the consent of the defendant, for a number of criminal proceedings during the COVID-19 emergency. The Judicial Conference of the United States has adopted a finding that emergency conditions exist that materially affect the functioning of the federal court generally. To facilitate the use of the emergency procedures authorized by the CARES Act, the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued COVID-19 General Order No. 20-4 for the Court. 
The public is encouraged to visit the Courts website, www.laed.uscourts.gov, often for additional information and for updates. 

COVID-19 General Order 20-4: CARES Act Provisions for Criminal Proceedings 

Published March 21, 2020

Effective March 23, 2020, and subject to the conditions set forth in this Court's General Order 20-2(5), criminal proceedings before the Magistrate Judges of the United States District Court for Eastern District of Louisiana will be adjusted as follows: Court will be convened on Mondays and Fridays. To the extent feasible, these twice-weekly court sessions will be conducted by video conference, as long as the defendant consents to that procedure. The Court will address requests to deviate from this schedule on a case-by-case basis as needed.

Please see the Eastern District of Louisiana website, www.laed.uscourts.gov, for additional information and for updates.

COVID-19 General Order 20-3: Re Criminal Proceedings before the Magistrate Judges 2020 03 20

Published March 20, 2020

NOTICE REGARDING SEALED PLEADINGS AND FACSIMILE FILING OF PAPER  DOCUMENTS 

Due to concerns regarding COVID-19, until May 1, 2020, the Clerk’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana will not accept sealed documents on paper for filing.

Sealed documents should be submitted by email to the Court at sealeddocs@laed.uscourts.gov.  Please use the encrypted “Send Securely” option  in your email if available. Documents should be in PDF format and include an electronic signature of the attorney filing it.

Non-sealed pleadings should not be submitted to this email box.  Non-sealed pleadings must be submitted for filing through CM/ECF, the court’s electronic filing system.  

Until May 1, 2020, unrepresented parties, including individuals who are incarcerated, may fax pleadings to 504-310-8159 or email pleadings to prosedocs@laed.uscourts.gov.  If additional information is required, the Clerk’s Office will contact the filer by email. 

Published March 17, 2020

Intake and Pro Se Area and Public Terminal Area Closed to the Public - Amended on April 3, 2020

Hale Boggs Building, Including Intake, Pro Se, and Public Terminal Areas, Closed to the General Public
At the direction of the Chief Judge, until further notice, due to public health concerns relating to COVID-19, the Hale Boggs Federal Building located at 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, which houses the United States District Court as well as the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, is closed to the general public. The Intake and Pro Se areas of the United States District Court Clerk’s Office and the public terminal area adjacent to the United States District Court’s Clerk’s Office and the elevator tower also remain closed to the public.   No cash will be accepted at this time.  For questions, the Intake Unit may be reached at 504-589-7674 and the Pro Se Unit may be reached at 504-589-7751. Mail U.S. District Court documents or payments to: The Clerk’s Office, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, 500 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130.  Unrepresented persons may also send filings electronically to prosedocs@laed.uscourts.gov  or by facsimile to (504)  310-8159.  Additional information and updates will be available via the Eastern District of Louisiana’s website, www.laed.uscourts.gov.

Published March 17, 2020

CVB VIOLATION DOCKET CONTINUANCES

CVB Violation dockets have been continued as indicated below:

Violations previously set for March 17, 2020 have been reset to June 2, 2020 (Magistrate Judge Douglas)
Violations previously set for March 24, 2020 have been reset to April 28, 2020 (Magistrate Judge Roby)
Violations previously set for April 14, 2020 have been reset to May 19, 2020 (Magistrate Judge Wilkinson)

New violations will be set for hearing as indicated below:

Any tickets received that would be set for hearing on March 31, 2020, shall be set for May 5, 2020 (Magistrate Judge North)
Any tickets received that would be set for hearing on April 7, 2020, shall be set for May 12, 2020 (Magistrate Judge van Meerveld)
Any tickets received that would be set for hearing on April 14, 2020, shall be set for May 19, 2020 (Magistrate Judge Wilkinson)
 

Published March 16, 2020

Effective immediately: In response to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), to combat the spread of the disease, given the severity of risks posed to the public, Court staff, and other Court agencies, and considering the public health recommendations from the CDC, the Eastern District of Louisiana issued COVID-19 General Order No. 20-2. The order 
  (1) continues all civil and criminal bench and jury trials until May 1, 2020, to a date to be reset by each presiding judge, but does not continue any other pending deadlines; 
  (2) continues all civil and criminal in-person hearings, proceedings, and conferences until May 1, 2020, to be reset by each presiding judge; 
  (3) suspends all grand jury proceedings until May 1, 2020; 
  (4) issues findings pursuant to the Speedy Trial Act; 
  (5) indicates that criminal matters before magistrate judges will continue in the ordinary course but may be held by video conferencing if available; 
  (6) cancels naturalization ceremonies, CLE programs, and all events in the courthouse that are not case-specific until May 1, 2020, and 
  (7) requires that, beginning March 18, 2020, all attorney admissions be handled by motion and order. 
Please see the Eastern District of Louisiana website, www.laed.uscourts.gov, for additional information and for updates. 

COVID-19 General Order 20-2: March 16, 2020, Trials, In-Person Hearings & Conferences Cont. to May 1, 2020

Published March 13, 2020

COVID-19 General Order 20-1: Re Visitor Restrictions  

Published March 12, 2020

Effective immediately: In order to limit the spread of the coronavirus and out of deep concern for our employees, attorneys and their staff who frequent our building,  judges and the community at large, the Eastern District of Louisiana has suspended all non-case related public gatherings and events in the United States District Court House until further notice.   Please check the Eastern District of Louisiana website, www.laed.uscourts.gov, for regular updates.

Published March 11, 2020

The United States District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana, continues to monitor the most current statements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as all communications disseminated by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO), regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).  The Court is following recommended guidelines from public health officials and preparedness guidance from the AO.  Currently, there has been no adjustment in court operations, except as listed below:

Please note that if you have traveled to China, Italy, Iran, or South Korea within the last 14 days; reside or have had close contact with someone who has traveled in one of the above areas within the last 14 days; have been asked to self-quarantine by any hospital or health agency; or have been diagnosed with, or have had contact with, anyone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, you must inform the Court Security Officers (CSOs) upon entering the courthouse and will be restricted from entering the building.  If you are so affected and are an attorney scheduled to appear before the Court in the near future, you must notify the Court so that appropriate safeguard measures can be taken.  You may appear via teleconference or video-conference where the technology is available and with the approval of the presiding Judge.