#Southern District of NY suspends in-person proceedings

The federal court that covers Manhattan, the Bronx and several other New York counties will suspend in-person proceedings starting Tuesday as the coronavirus pandemic rages on.

Chief Judge Colleen McMahon of the Southern District of New York said in a Monday order the in-person pause will last until Jan. 15.

“This temporary curtailment of operations is required to preserve public health and safety in light of the recent spike in coronavirus cases, both nationally and within the Southern District of New York,” McMahon said in the order.

Jury trials at the district’s court houses will be suspended, while civil proceedings and other criminal matters will carry on remotely, according to the order.

The Southern District of New York similarly suspended jury trials in March over COVID-19 concerns.