A California federal judge employing unusually relaxed COVID-19 protections during trial told unmasked attorneys in his courtroom this week that if they get infected, they’re solely to blame.

“I’ve made you totally responsible for the area you sit in, therefore if you get COVID, congratulations. You are totally responsible. I’m not joking,” said U.S. District Judge David Carter of the Central District of California.

U.S. District Judge David Carter of the Central District of California. Photo via Meghann M. Cuniff/ALM