All New York judges to be back in court in three weeks

[TexasTowelie]

ALBANY – All state judges and their staffs are expected to be back to working at their assigned courthouses in three weeks, the state’s top judge said Monday in her weekly address.

Chief Judge Janet DiFiore said the court system is incrementally returning to work with staffing levels at 80 percent in courts outside New York City and 75 percent within the five boroughs.

The entirety of judges and their staffs is expected by May 24, DiFiore said.

“Our re‐staffing sends an important message to the public, and to our partners in government that our judges and staff are present in our courthouses doing the people’s business and supporting the state’s economic reopening at this critical time when the COVID metrics have improved significantly, more and more people are getting vaccinated and restrictions on business, cultural and recreational activities are being lifted,” DiFiore said in her Monday address, which she has given weekly since the pandemic started in March 2020.

Read more: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/All-NY-judges-to-be-back-in-court-in-three-weeks-16148108.php

[MisterNiceKitty]

1. I still think their pushing this too soon

Also from the article:

"The chief judge said the courts will continue safety measures such as taking the temperature of all visitors and mandating masks be worn and social distancing be practiced. She said virtual courts will still be used where in-person appearances are not needed. DiFiore said in the last week more than 1,1oo online nonjury trials and hearings were held virtually, in addition to judges presiding over conferences for more than 6,100 matters."

Sounds like a hybrid model is being used, that means they can do even more remotely without requiring a courthouse appearance.