NYC courts begin second phase of reopening plan tomorrow

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Up to 40 percent of staff will return to the Queens Supreme Court building in Jamaica today. Eagle photo by David Brand

Up to 40 percent of staff will return to the Queens Supreme Court building in Jamaica today. Eagle photo by David Brand

By David Brand

Courthouses in New York City will enter phase two of the state’s gradual reopening plan Wednesday, with up to 40 percent of personnel returning to the court buildings in Jamaica, Kew Gardens and Long Island City.

Judges and chambers staff returned to work June 8 in the first phase of the reopening plan, nearly three months after courthouses closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In the next stage, announced Tuesday by Chief Judge Janet DiFiore, non-judicial staff will return to support administrative functions and Family Court will feature more virtual courtrooms. 

“As we continue to make progress in restoring in-person court operations throughout the state, we remain mindful of the many challenges ahead — particularly in our high-volume courthouses in New York City and other populous areas of the State,” DiFiore said. 

Court officials will also remain “vigilant in following the new safety measures and operational protocols designed to protect the health of our judges, staff and court visitors,” DiFiore continued.

An Office of Court Administration spokesperson estimated that 35 to 40 percent of staff will return to the courthouses — up from about 25 percent during the first phase of reopening.

The majority of staff members will continue to work remotely with court visitors limited. Proceedings will still be conducted remotely, but judges’ chambers, clerks’ offices and back offices have reopened to staff. 

The court system has also set aside designated space in Civil and Supreme Court for unrepresented litigants who lack internet access or who otherwise cannot use remote services.

“We will rigorously monitor safety protocols and day-to-day operations, carefully balancing the justice needs of those served by our New York City courts with the safety of all those who work in and visit courthouses in the five boroughs,” DiFiore said earlier this month.