Based on Coronavirus Concerns, SDNY Trials Are Postponed, and Judges Are Liberally Adjourning Other In-Person Appearances

The New York Post is reporting today that the SDNY is suspending all jury trials scheduled to begin next week, based on concerns over the spread of the caronavirus.  [Update: The Order suspending jury trials is here, and it also states that judges "are strongly encouraged to conduct court proceedings by telephone or video conferencing where practicable."] In addition, a review of the dockets shows that, for the same reason, several SDNY judges are adjourning in person appearances or converting them to phone conferences, including, for example, Judge Wood (adjourning hearing), Magistrate Judge Cott (adjourning hearing), Judge Caproni (adjourning pretrial conference), and Magistrate Judge Smith (changing initial conference to phone conference).