In a February 17, 2021 Order, Chief Judge Pallmeyer set out a COVID testing protocol to allow for safe in-person proceedings, in particular jury trials. The order requires the following:

  • Court employees working in the court facilities will be tested for COVID no more than twice per week using saliva tests. The results will be provided only to the tested employee, who will be obligated to self report any positive test;
  • Jurors and potential jurors will also be tested twice per week using a saliva test; and
  • Any person involved in an in-person hearing or trial exceeding two days will also have to submit to testing.

This suggests that the Court will be allowing for jury trials and, perhaps at least in some cases, in-person hearings going forward.