# COVID-19 Magisterial District Judges Procedures Update November 24, 2020

- Summary: Administrative Order for Magisterial District Courts Issued by: Elizabeth Doyle, President Judge (Court of Common Pleas, Blair County) Effective Period: November 30, 2020, through December 11, 2020…
- Source: Blair County
- Published: 
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: https://www.blaircountypa.gov/getmedia/f489a347-0fe0-4190-b2db-66f82e9b408a/MDJAdminOrder11242020.pdf
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/covid-19-magisterial-district-judges-procedures-update-november-24-2020/
- Content note: This portable copy is not the official record and may include an automated convenience summary. Verify important details in the original document.

Administrative Order for Magisterial District Courts Issued by: Elizabeth Doyle, President Judge (Court of Common Pleas, Blair County) Effective Period: November 30, 2020, through December 11, 2020 In response to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Blair County, the following restrictions and procedures are implemented for Magisterial District Courts to ensure public safety: Filing and Payments No Walk-ins: There are no walk-in case filings or fine payments allowed during this period. Court Hearings and Trials Remote Proceedings: Judges are to conduct summary trials, hearings, and conferences via Advanced Communication Technology (ACT) or continue matters to a later date. Allowed Platforms: ACT includes, but is not limited to, BlueJeans, Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and telephone. Preliminary Hearings: These are restricted to incarcerated defendants only, barring extenuating circumstances. Emergency Matters: Emergency Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders, search warrants, arrest warrants, and preliminary arraignments will continue to be handled via ACT. In-Person Appearances: Any matter requiring an individual to appear in person must be scheduled in advance by appointment at the discretion of the respective Magisterial District Judge. General Discretion Judges have the discretion to hear or continue other non-emergency matters as they see fit for their specific court. All previous administrative orders regarding the courts remain in effect.