District Court jury trials in Las Vegas will resume this week with plans in place to mitigate the coronavirus risk, including mandatory face masks and rapid virus testing, court officials said.
Trials in the Eighth Judicial District Court have been suspended since March 14, when Gov. Steve Sisolak declared a state of emergency in response to the pandemic.
Prospective jurors who are considered high risk, such as those 65 years of age or older and people with underlying medical conditions, will be eligible for a deferral, officials said.
“District Court is committed to safely resuming jury trials in Clark County in order to fulfill the court’s responsibility of providing fair and timely administration of justice,” Chief Judge Linda Bell said in a statement.
The court worked with public health officials to implement a comprehensive safety plan, which includes temperature checks, air purification, social distancing protocols, enhanced cleaning and the use of plastic barriers, officials said.
An agreement with University Medical Center will provide onsite rapid virus testing for trial participants, including jurors, who have COVID-19 symptoms or report a potential exposure.
Prospective jurors who are experiencing symptoms, feeling sick or have been exposed to COVID-19 will be advised to not report for jury duty, officials said.