Tulsa County jury trials will be suspended from the Thanksgiving holiday through Jan. 11 because of “the increase in COVID-19 infections,” officials confirmed Thursday.
The decision was made late Wednesday to halt the process of bringing new jury pools to the downtown courthouse, Tulsa County court administrator Vicki Cox said. The operational change is effective Nov. 25, allowing for already-proceeding jury trials to resolve.
In a press release, Cox said jurors scheduled to appear for jury duty “will be excused automatically if their summons date is within that time period.”
Presiding District Judge William LaFortune responded Wednesday to safety concerns he said stemmed from “an anomaly” with a judge’s absence, “high-volume dockets,” the layout of the courthouse and a lack of waiting areas other than hallways.
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Photographs posted online Tuesday by two Tulsa attorneys showed a crowded hallway and benches — which have since been removed — fully occupied as people awaited their court appearances. The hallway is adjacent to courtrooms for misdemeanors and protective orders.
Defense attorney Jenny Proehl-Day, who had a client in court that day, told the Tulsa World she believed the situation was indicative of a “relaxed” attitude about COVID-19 risks by court officials.
She called for enforcement of policies prohibiting people from entering the courthouse if they don’t have official business to conduct there, and she said the size of the misdemeanor docket on Tuesday was proof that change was needed.
LaFortune had sent an interoffice memorandum to judges and staff by Wednesday evening directing bailiffs to monitor hallways “to avoid congestion and enforce social distancing.” The memo said judges are responsible for managing their courtrooms, including enforcing social distancing and mask wearing.
LaFortune told the Tulsa World on Thursday afternoon that the language in the memo had been drafted with the aid of two other district judges before Tuesday, but he said, “Certainly these memos will address the first-floor issue as well as other issues related solely to the COVID surge.”
“Reducing the size of in-person dockets, scheduling dockets at different times of the day and taking other proactive measures are essential,” LaFortune wrote in the memo. “As we continue to balance the needs of those in the court system and the safety of everyone involved, we ask that everyone take responsibility and practice safety and social distancing.”
Cox said Thursday that some misdemeanor cases for out-of-custody defendants will be postponed until April 1 “and thereafter as set by the judge and clerks.” Cases involving violence, DUI and domestic assault will proceed as scheduled, although Cox said preliminary hearing dates during which testimony will be heard are also suspended through at least Jan. 11.
LaFortune’s memo says the preliminary hearing docket will remain operational “for the purpose of conducting waivers, dispositions and other matters that can be accomplished without calling witnesses.” The Family Division will eliminate in-person hearings and trials “where practicable” from Nov. 25 to Jan. 4, according to the memo.
Existing courthouse policies require masks in public areas and specify capacity limits on elevators. There are hand sanitizer stations in common areas and signs promoting social distancing.
Additionally, judges have Plexiglas shields between them and the parties in their courtrooms.
Video: Gov. Kevin Stitt outlines new COVID-19 guidelines for bars and restaurants.
Gov. Stitt said Nov. 16 that restaurants must keep tables 6 feet apart; bars/restaurants must close at 11 p.m.; and masks will be required at state buildings and worn by state employees
Gallery: COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
How it spreads, who's at risk
Studies have shown many infected people show no symptoms or have symptoms so mild they may go undetected; those people can still transmit COVID-19 to About 20% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 require hospitalization.
The disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations: those older than 65, living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and anyone with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or obesity.
Science of virus spread
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets produced by an infected person. Spread is most likely when people are in close contact, within about 6 feet. A person might also be infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their face. According to the CDC, evidence suggests the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces, though that form of transmission is said to be minor.
Transmission between people more than 6 feet from one another may occur in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces, the CDC says, especially where activities cause heavier breathing, such as singing or exercising.
The infectious period for patients can begin up to 48 hours before symptom onset.
List of symptoms
The CDC recently expanded its list of possible symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms can appear from two days to two weeks after exposure.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and will continue to be updated by the CDC. One symptom not included is "purple toes," which someone may experience with no other symptoms, sometimes several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over. The coloration and pain is caused by a lack of blood flow to the toes caused by excessive blood clotting, a late-stage concern with COVID-19 infections.
Kinds of testing
Those getting tested may experience different kinds of swabs. The viral test, known as PCR, involves a deep nasal swab that can be painful.
Other tests that require less-invasive swabs may produce results faster, but with less accuracy. These should not be used diagnostically.
It is not yet known whether COVID-19 antibodies can protect someone being infected again or how long protection might last.
The 'serious seven'
The "serious seven" refer to close contact environments where residents should take extra precautions if they choose to attend. The seven are gyms, weddings, house gatherings, bars, funerals, faith-based activities and other small events, according to Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart.
Treatments being investigated
The FDA has allowed for antiviral drug remdesivir, previously tested on humans with Ebola, to treat more severe cases of COVID-19 in adults and children. Safety and effectiveness aside, preliminary studies have shown it can shorten recovery time for some patients.
After previously approving an emergency use authorization, the FDA as of July 1 cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial. A review of safety issues includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems and other safety issues, including blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
Convalescent serum therapy
Some patients are receiving convalescent serum, meaning the antibodies made by people who have recovered after a COVID-19 infection. Antibody-rich blood plasma is being given to severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, including Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, OSU Center for Health Sciences and Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa.
From June to July, requests for convalescent plasma from the Oklahoma Blood Institute multiplied seven-fold.
Recovery, as defined by CDC
To be considered recovered (without a test), these three things must happen, the CDC advises:
- No fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of normal temperature without the use of medicine)
- Other symptoms improved (no more cough, etc.)
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared
