LOS ANGELES (KNX) — A spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County resulted in Presiding Judge Eric C. Taylor issuing an emergency order to temporarily delay criminal court proceedings for the next two weeks. The request was approved by Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye.
"L.A. County’s current COVID numbers warrant this relief and I have elected to utilize this authority sparingly as we closely monitor the impact of the dual variants on our court users, judicial officers, staff and justice partners," Taylor said in a statement shared by the County Court.
The emergency order applies to criminal jury trials with statutory deadlines
between Wednesday and Jan. 19. This is the first time any such extension has been issued since last October.
"I will continue to consult closely with the L.A. County Department of Public Health on local conditions and any changes to public health orders and guidance during this winter surge," Taylor said, adding that this is the second consecutive winter in which COVID spread has been tied to holiday gatherings.
Taylor is referring to the 45,000 COVID-19 cases reported by the county Department of Public Health on Monday and more than 21,000 cases reported Tuesday.
Civil cases have not been suspended, but court officials have been reminded to adhere to all safety protocols - like masking and distancing in all courthouses. All, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear face coverings that fully cover the mouth and nose.
In the statement shared Tuesday, Taylor reminded the public that the great majority of court employees, judicial officers and justice partners are fully vaccinated "following successful efforts to prioritize vaccinations in early 2021 for justice system workers."
The L.A. Courts announcement is the second of the day regarding court proceedings and COVID. Early Tuesday District Court Clerk Kiry Gray announced that all federal jury trials in L.A., Santa Ana and Riverside would be suspended for at least the next three weeks.
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