A. Status of Northern District
In the Northern District of Georgia, there will be no jury trials through April 4, 2021, but grand jury proceedings may continue. Prospective petit jurors may be summoned for trials to begin after April 4. Courthouses are open, with social distancing and face mask requirements. Those who have symptoms, have been asked to self-quarantine or have come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus in the past two weeks are prohibited from entering courthouses.
B. Status of Middle District
In the Middle District of Georgia, no jury trials will be held through April 4, 2021. Grand juries are not affected by the moratorium. Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering any courthouse. The clerk's office is closed for in-person business, and face masks are required in public areas of courthouses.
C. Southern District
In the Southern District of Georgia, only those with official court business will be admitted into the courthouse. Those who have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for the coronavirus or may have been exposed to the virus are prohibited from entering the building. Grand juries will continue to meet. Criminal matters before magistrate judges will continue to take place as usual.
D. General Status of the State Courts
In the state court system, all jury trials not already in progress are prohibited. Grand jury proceedings may resume in person or remotely. Statutory deadlines based on indictments and jury trials remain suspended and tolled. All other deadlines were reimposed in July 2020. All courts are encouraged to conduct proceedings remotely.