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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
In Re:
COURT OPERATIONS UNDER THE
EXIGENT CIRCUMSTANCES GENERAL ORDER NO. 20-02
CREATED BY COVID-19
This Court issues this General Order in response to the recent outbreak of Coronavirus
Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Southern District of Ohio. There are multiple confirmed cases
of COVID-19, in response to which the Governor of the State of Ohio, Michael DeWine, has
declared a state of emergency 1 which, among other things, limits large indoor gatherings.
The Governor's Declaration follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC")
"Interim Guidance," recommending that all employers consider how best to decrease the spread
of COVID-19, including the review of guidance from state and local health officials. 2
Given the outbreak of cases of COVID-19 in this District and the severity of risk posed to
the public, and given the CDC mandate and the Governor's declaration, it is hereby ORDERED
that, effective Thursday, March 12, 2020:
(1) All civil and criminal matters scheduled for jury trial before any district or magistrate
judge in the Southern District of Ohio, including any associated deadlines, are
CONTINUED for Thirty (30) Days, pending further Order of the Court;
(2) All grand jury proceedings in this District are CONTINUED except those that are
30-day cases or are necessary to protect the safety of the community, pending further
1 Executive Order 2020-OID.
2 Interim Guidance/or Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19),
February 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus2019-ncov/specific -groups/guidance-business-response.html (last
updated February 26, 2020).
Order of the Court;
(3) With regard to criminal matters, due to the Court's reduced ability to obtain an
adequate spectrum of jurors and the effect of the above public health
recommendations on the availability of counsel and Court staff to be present in the
courtroom, the time period of the continuances implemented by this General Order
will be excluded under the Speedy Trial Act, as the Court specifically finds that the
ends of justice served by ordering the continuances outweigh the best interests of the
public and any defendant' s right to a speedy trial, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
§ 3 161 (h)(7)(A);
(4) Case-by-case exceptions to the continuances provided herein may be ordered at the
discretion of the Court after consultation with counsel;
(5) This ORDER does not affect the Court's consideration of civil or criminal motions
that can be resolved without oral argument.
All Courthouses shall remain open. Staff in the Clerk' s Office will be available by
telephone, mail will be received, and intake desks remain open for filings. Electronic filing may
sti ll be made through the CM/ECF system. The public is encouraged to continue utilizing Court
services while following all applicable public health guidelines.
The Court will vacate or amend this General Order no later than APRIL 13, 2020.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
.MARBLEY
TED STATE DISTRICT JUDGE
DATED: March 12, 2020
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