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Delaware courts pull back on reopening plan

Delaware Public Media

The Delaware court system is moving back to its Phase two of its reopening plan.

The courts announced Monday all jury trials would be suspended based on public health guidance around increased spread of the coronavirus.

The capacity allowed in Delaware courts will reduce from 75 to 50 percent. Grand jury proceedings, bench trials and hearings will be allowed to continue.

In a statement, Chief Justice Collins Seitz said the decision is based on the advice from Delaware public health officials, and what other state courts are doing. He added “stepping back to Phase Two is the safest course of action until after the holiday season.”

Delaware courts completely shut down to the public back in March and didn’t reopen for phase one until June.

The courts resumed issuing bench warrants back in September, opened up for phase three just after the start of October and have since issued future plans for a phase-four reopening.

Seitz signed the eighth 30-day extension of his emergency order earlier this month.

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