Maryland courts postpone jury trials amid virus surge

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland’s judiciary has announced plans to postpone jury trials and reduce other court operations amid a surge in coronavirus cases.

According to Monday’s order from Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Joseph Getty, the emergence of more contagious variants requires the return to more restrictive emergency operations. State health officials reported 5,376 new cases Monday and an increase in hospitalizations to 1,714, Jury trials scheduled between Wednesday and Feb. 8 will be rescheduled, but ongoing jury trials will be allowed to conclude. District and circuit courts will hear specific case types remotely or in-person.

Clerks’ offices will remain open to the public.

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