"Masks Required" sign at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building & Courthouse. Photo: Meghann Cuniff/ALM

The Trend:

Courts continue to struggle with inconsistent COVID-19 protocols and pushback on reinstituting in-person proceedings, suggesting that even as the Delta variant shows signs of slowing in the U.S., getting back to normal—or even proceeding with a new normal—many not be possible any time soon.

The Driver:

Some court systems continue to deal with confusion over mask mandates that have, apparently unbeknownst to some, been in place since summertime.

Meanwhile, courts are also facing fallout from litigators who are less-than-eager to give up the efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness of remote proceedings.