ALBUQUERQUE – The United States District Court in New Mexico will remain open amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. However, the courts announced Friday they have implemented protocols for the public to minimize health risks associated with the spread of the disease.
The decision to hold hearings and trials is based on the discretion of each presiding judge. If there are changes or cancellations, the affected parties will be notified.
All courthouse tours and other non-court-related activities are canceled for all locations until further notice.
An open house scheduled for March 20 in Albuquerque to recognize the confirmation of U.S. District Judge Kea Riggs will be rescheduled for a later date.
The naturalization ceremony scheduled in Las Cruces for March 20 has been canceled. Those scheduled to take their oath at this ceremony should work with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service to discuss other avenues for taking their oath.
Courthouses in the district will remain open during regular court business hours. However, court officials advise individuals to consider the following before entering court facilities:
- Over the past two weeks have you developed flu-like symptoms such as a cough, a fever or shortness of breath?
- Have you traveled outside the U.S. within the last 30 days?
- Have you been diagnosed with or had contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection?
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions and your business with the court is not urgent, you will not be permitted access.
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions and you have a scheduled appointment or are otherwise required to appear at one of the courthouses, please contact the appropriate party prior to your scheduled appointment:
- If you are represented by an attorney, please contact your attorney;
- If you are an attorney and are scheduled to appear in court before a judge, please contact that court’s chambers directly (contact information may be found on the court’s website at www.nmd.uscourts.gov);
- If you are a juror, please contact the Jury Division at 505-348-2070;
- For other District Court matters, please contact the Clerk’s Office at 505-348-2000.
For the latest information on the coronavirus outbreak, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/.
For the most up-to-date information on the United States Courts – District of New Mexico, visit www.nmd.uscourts.gov.
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