(Reuters) – As coronavirus infections rise in the District of Columbia, the United States Supreme Court has announced that the court will no longer permit the public to be present at its sessions.

While infections are still relatively stable across the country, many high-profile Washington D.C. politicians have been tested for COVID-19. This includes members of President Joe Biden’s Cabinet, and Nancy Pelosi, House Speaker.

Highly transmissible variant BA.2 Omicron accounts for the vast majority of US cases and has been responsible for the introduction of warnings and restrictions about infection rates in other countries.

The statement from the nation’s top federal court stated that only the Justices and essential Court staff will have access to the Courtroom. It also excludes counsel in scheduled cases as well as journalists who are issued full-time media credentials by the Supreme Court.

An audio stream of oral arguments will also be available.

On Monday, Philadelphia became the first American city to reinstate a face-mask mandate. This means that you must wear a mask indoors, in public places such as schools, restaurants and shops, starting next week.