Those entering federal courthouses in the Western District of Pennsylvania will have to wear face coverings, according to an order issued Tuesday by Chief Judge Mark R. Hornak.

Hornak said the order is meant to protect the health and safety of those doing business in the courthouses.

It is in keeping with Gov. Tom Wolf’s directive that workers and customers at essential businesses in the state are to wear the coverings to protect against spread of the coronavirus.

Visitors to the courthouses, including vendors, litigants and attorneys, will be required to wear a face covering in common or public areas.

Anyone attempting to enter one of the three courthouses — in Pittsburgh, Erie and Johnstown — without a face covering will be stopped by security officers, who will check if the visitor’s business can be handled without entering the building.

Court staff also are expected to wear face coverings when in public areas, but they don’t have to use them in private work areas if they observe physical distancing, Hornak said.

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