JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – As COVID-19 numbers rise again, courts across Tennessee are once again halting in person proceedings.

Jury trials, grand juries and other in person hearings will be stopped until Jan. 31, 2021, according to an order issued by the state supreme court this week.

Locally, the Eighth Judicial District Criminal Court will continue to conduct business, excluding jury trials, via the online platform Zoom.

Although no jury trials will be conducted until next year, anyone currently serving as a juror will remain active until a new jury can be selected, according to an order issued by Criminal Court Judge Shayne Sexton.

“Due to the rise in COVID-19 infection rates, compelling attendance to criminal court in large numbers is a risk not worth taking,” said Sexton. “Although courtroom sanitization, social distancing and mandatory face coverings are helpful procedures, courthouses are only as safe as those entering. The increased infection numbers suggest that our safety measures cannot keep pace with the potential spread.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED- 11/19/2020-6AM)