Honorable Robert N. Kwan
REVISED INTERIM PROCEDURES RE: COVID-19
EFFECTIVE JUNE 27, 2022
During the COVID-19 pandemic, and until further notice by the Court, or as otherwise ordered by the Court, appearances for matters heard by Judge Kwan in Courtroom 1675 may be made in-person, by video through Zoom for Government (ZoomGov), or by telephone through ZoomGov. If appearing through ZoomGov, hearing participants and other parties in interest may connect to the video and audio feeds, free of charge, using the connection information provided in the court’s posted calendar. Judge Kwan's publicly posted hearing calendar, may be viewed online at: https://ecf-ciao.cacb.uscourts.gov/CiaoPosted/?jid=RK.
As a hearing participant, you are free to choose any of these options, except that evidentiary hearings/trials must be in person in the courtroom (unless otherwise ordered). You do not need to call Chambers for advance approval or notice.
If you choose to appear in person, you must comply with all applicable Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines regarding the wearing of face coverings and physical distancing inside and outside of the courtroom. Pursuant to the Court’s General Order 21-05, where an in-person matter is held in a courtroom, all participants are to observe all safety protocols posted and announced in the courtroom, and Judge Kwan as the presiding judge will determine the protocols in effect in his assigned courtroom consistent with guidance from the CDC. By order of Judge Kwan, all persons that choose to appear in person must wear a face covering or mask covering their nose and mouth, and must observe physical distancing inside and outside of the courtroom. However, with permission of Judge Kwan, a witness testifying on the witness stand may remove his or her face covering while testifying in order for the court and the parties to observe the witness’s demeanor. You should not enter the courthouse when feeling unwell, if you have tested positive for COVID-19, or if you fall within the quarantine recommendations after having come into close contract with someone who has COVID-19.