The Massachusetts Supreme Court is pausing all jury trials for the month of January in order to ensure that there is no added spread to the coronavirus. A spokesman for the High Court says that the courts will be open for all other business. In addition, there is other guidance—including:
- Remote court operations shall be used wherever possible. Courts may continue to hold in-person proceedings in matters where a virtual proceeding is not practicable or would be inconsistent with the protection of constitutional rights.
- Trial Court departments shall reduce the number of staff working in person to no more than 50% of the total number of staff at a time and should separate their staff into not less than two teams that will alternate their time working in-person and remotely as deemed necessary by the department head. Security, Facilities and ELMO shall be exempt from the 50% reduction based upon job function.
Masking inside the courtrooms will continue and officials say that there will be a series of screening questions-asking whether a person is feeling under the weather, or has a temperature.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak WHYN Radio)