FILED
Mar 16 2020
United States District Court
Northern District of Ohio
General Order

GENERAL ORDER NO. 2020-05

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO

In Re:
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
PUBLIC EMERGENCY

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ORDER NO. 2020-05

The Governor of the State of Ohio has declared a public health emergency
throughout the state in response to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health
authorities have advised the taking of precautions to reduce the possibility of exposure
to the virus and slow the spread of the disease.
NOW, THEREFORE, in order to protect public health, and in order to reduce the
size of public gatherings and reduce unnecessary travel, the United States District Court
for the Northern District of Ohio hereby issues the following order effective immediately:
1.

The following events in the Northern District of Ohio, scheduled to begin
before May 1, 2020, are postponed pending further order of the Court:
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All civil jury trials

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Re-entry court proceedings

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Petty Offense (CVB) proceedings

The Court may issue other orders concerning future continuances as
necessary and appropriate.

 2.

Criminal trials will not proceed unless absolutely necessary. The Court is
cognizant of the right of criminal defendants to a speedy and public trial
under the Sixth Amendment, and the particular application of that right in
cases involving defendants who are detained pending trial. Individual
judges presiding over criminal proceedings should take such actions
consistent with this order as may be lawful and appropriate to ensure the
fairness of the proceedings, preserve the rights of the parties, and ensure
the health and well-being of all participants.

3.

Judges may conduct criminal pretrial proceedings by telephone or video
conferencing where practicable.

4.

Unless otherwise ordered, judges will conduct civil pretrial proceedings by
telephone or video conferencing where practicable.

5.

Grand juries will not meet unless absolutely necessary.

6.

All mass public gatherings, other than court proceedings, are suspended.
This includes, but is not limited to, group tours and visits, moot courts and
mock trials, bar group meetings, seminars, and naturalization ceremonies.

7.

The Clerk’s Office, Pretrial Services & Probation Office, and all other Court
services will be open with limited staff on the premises and remaining staff
on telework status. Staff in the Clerk’s Office will be available by
telephone, mail will be received, and intake desks will remain open for
filings. Electronic filings may still be made through the CM/ECF system.
The public is encouraged to continue utilizing Court services while
following all applicable public health guidelines.

8.

The Court will vacate or amend this General Order no later than May 1,
2020.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

FOR THE COURT

Patricia A. Gaughan
Chief Judge