Louisiana jury trials off until March 1 due to virus worries

A Louisiana Supreme Court order says no jury trials can be launched in the state until March 1 because of coronavirus concerns.

The order, dated Monday, says any criminal or civil jury trials can continue if they have already begun. But new jury trials must be delayed to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Other types of court proceedings can continue in person. But proceedings should use no more than 50% of a courtroom’s capacity and social distancing must be practiced. And the Supreme Court order urges the use of telephone or video conferencing.