Jury trials have been temporarily suspended at the La Plata County Courthouse as a result of the high infection rate of COVID-19 countywide.

The order suspending jury trials was issued Wednesday by 6th Judicial District Chief Judge Jeffrey Wilson.

In his order, Wilson said it is not safe to allow large groups of people to gather in hallways and in courtrooms while jury trials are being conducted.

As of Monday, La Plata County reported 307 new infections per seven days per 100,000 people.

“This rate is more than three times the rate that qualifies as a high transmission rate as defined by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and San Juan Basin Health,” Wilson’s order said.

“In order to protect the health of the public at large, jurors, litigants, and staff of the Sixth Judicial District, it is ordered that no jury trials shall be conducted in the La Plata County Courthouse,” the order said.

The order remains in effect until further notice.

shane@durangoherald.com