Together, the sharp decline of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, increased availability of vaccines, and recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control for fully vaccinated individuals, mean that all Michigan courts can safely expand operations and tailor mitigation measures to local conditions. Pursuant to Administrative Order No. 2020-14, all Michigan courts will advance to Phase 4 of the Return to Full Capacity Plan beginning today, June 21, 2021. Chief Judges have discretion to determine the pace of reopening consistent with local conditions. This will enable all courts to expand capacity, focus on conducting jury trials, and address backlogs. In Phase 4, the following requirements apply to all courts:
 

• Chief Judges have full discretion to protect court staff and court users, consistent with local public health guidance and MIOSHA guidelines.
• Proceedings will be conducted virtually to the maximum extent possible, consistent with Administrative Order No. 2020-6 (extended by Administrative Order No. 2020-12).
• In-person court proceedings, including jury proceedings, will be permitted, consistent with local public health guidance and MIOSHA guidelines pertaining to social distancing, capacity limitations, mask requirements for court participants, etc.
• The public may be required to wear masks pursuant to local public health guidance and MIOSHA guidelines.
• Judges retain the discretion to require individuals in the courtroom to use masks generally or in specific cases, particularly cases involving persons who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
• Any person desiring to wear a mask shall be allowed to do so.
• Upon a local resurgence of COVID-19 cases in a local jurisdiction, the court may be required to implement additional COVID-19 mitigation measures provided for in RTFC Phases 1-3.