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On Thursday, District Judge Reggie Badeaux III announced new COVID-19 policies for the 22nd Judicial District Court, which includes Washington and St. Tammany parishes.

All individuals are now required to wear a mask in the Washington Parish Courthouse and the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center. In addition, only people who are noticed with an in-person courthouse appearance, or have an appointment with an agency located in the courthouse, will be allowed to enter.

All civil and criminal jury trials are suspended through August.

Finally, all potential jurors who have been noticed to appear in either Washington or St. Tammany parishes on Aug. 9, 16, 23 and 30, are now excused and not required to appear.

Badeaux’s order will remain in effect until modified specifically by amendment.