Courts and other public spaces have extending restrictions as the threat of the coronavirus continues throughout Nebraska.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska has extended its general order postponing many proceedings set to begin before June 1. The 30-day time period for filing an indictment is also paused due to the unavailability of a grand jury, Chief U.S. District Judge John M. Gerrard wrote in General Order 2020-08.

Case-by-case exceptions to the continuances may be ordered for non-jury proceedings at the discretion of the court, upon motion from the parties or on the court’s own motion after consultation with counsel, Gerrard ordered.

The Omaha Douglas County Public Building Commission has extended its limited access to the Omaha Douglas County Civic Center, which includes county courtrooms, through May 4. The restrictions were originally set to expire April 19 and could be extended further if warranted.

People needing access to courts in the Civic Center will be allowed to enter, said Paul Cohen, administrator of the commission.

“As a reminder, the person or persons scheduled to be at a hearing or court proceeding should be the only attendees,” Cohen said.

The District Court of Douglas County has also limited in-person court access through May 4, with courts open by video and teleconference and essential proceedings still being held in-person.

The Separate Juvenile Court for Douglas County has suspended all in-court proceedings indefinitely effective April 8.

The public will also be permitted to attend public meetings in the Civic Center, but distancing guidelines will be maintained.

Sarpy County has released its jury panel for April, but it has not yet updated the district court’s order regarding May jury trials.

Find a copy of judicial orders related to COVID-19 from Nebraska state, district and county courts at bit.ly/3coyhCE. Federal court orders related to COVID-19 can be found at bit.ly/2XGmjjV.