A federal trial in the Eastern District of Texas has been suspended after "multiple people," at least two people —a juror and a lawyer—tested positive for Covid, prompting the judge to postpone proceedings for several days (article available here).
The clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas that covers Sherman and Beaumont, confirmed the development in the civil case without disclosing the number of positive tests beyond the attorney, who was not identified, and the juror. The clerk noted “multiple participants” tested positive and the court was reluctant to give more detail in an effort to protect personal information. Providing more information on the roles of those who tested positive could make it obvious who those people are, he said.
“Everybody involved in the trial has been asked to get tested as soon as possible.”
The Eastern District of Texas paused jury trials at the beginning of the pandemic and restarted as Covid-19 rates declined.