The Illinois Supreme Court on Tuesday issued new orders regarding civil jury selections during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The Court noted that most civil jury trials have been on hold during the pandemic and the pool of jurors available for selection and service has decreased due to the health and economic impacts of the pandemic.

Tuesday’s order directs circuit clerks that remote jury selection by video conference in civil cases is permissible to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

The order explains that safely resuming civil jury trials will require modifications to court procedures and any local rules or administrative orders to allow for social distancing and compliance with public health protocols to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure by jurors, court personnel, litigants, and the public.