The Southern District of New York will be shuttering its courthouses to the public and canceling all in-person proceedings until at least mid-January as COVID-19 cases surge in the region and across the country, according to a standing order issued by the court on Monday (article available here).
The closure will begin December 1 and last until January 15. All jury trials will be rescheduled, and all civil proceedings will be conducted remotely. Criminal matters — like arraignments, pleas and sentencings — will also be conducted remotely.
Certain cases may still be heard in person if the defendant declines to waive the right to be physically present or the court determines that a matter cannot be postponed in conformity with the coronavirus relief legislation known as the CARES Act.
"This temporary curtailment of operations is required to preserve public health and safety in light of the recent spike of coronavirus cases, both nationally and within the Southern District of New York," according to the court order.