SMETHPORT — In response to the spread of COVID-19, enhanced mitigation efforts are being taken by the McKean County Court of Common Pleas, announced President Judge John Pavlock Tuesday afternoon.

Jury trials will be suspended until after Jan. 1. After that time, Pavlock said, “we will continue to utilize video conference technology, as well as small in person panels, for jury selection.”

He continued, “Although these methods work to limit potential spread, the recent rise in cases simply makes it too risky to bring jurors, parties and witnesses into the courtroom for jury trials. Hopefully the numbers and risk will decline in January 2021 to a point that we can resume jury trials.”

Video conferencing will continue to be used for proceedings, and anything that requires in-person attendance will be rescheduled for after Jan. 1, the judge explained.

“I want to make it clear: the court and court operations are not ‘shutting down,’” Pavlock said. “We will continue to operate. We are only temporarily limiting and/or continuing proceedings that require a high level of personal interaction.”

An administrative order, issued by Pavlock Tuesday, indicated the changes apply to Magisterial District Courts as well.

“I greatly appreciate the efforts of court staff to establish procedures, such as the use of video conference technology, that have allowed us to continue to process the vast majority of cases and proceedings while at the same time keeping individuals separated and preventing the opportunity for the spread of Covid 19,” the judge noted.

He added, “Staff in all court departments have gone above and beyond what is required to perform their duties during this difficult time.”