Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska has extended its general order on the use of video teleconferencing and phone conferencing in lieu of in-person court proceedings through the end of the year.

“While the Court has resumed some in-court proceedings, it is not possible to conduct all proceedings in person without seriously jeopardizing public health and safety,” Chief U.S. District Judge John M. Gerrard wrote in General Order 2020-13.

“In particular, the Court notes that some members of its bar have been required as a precaution to temporarily self-quarantine, making them unable to appear in person, and that local correctional facilities housing federal prisoners have also been directly affected by the disease. It is, therefore, still necessary to conduct proceedings remotely when the interests of justice require it,” Gerrard said.

This is the second extension of General Order 2020-07, which was issued on March 30, 2020. The order was originally set to expire on June 28 and had been extended through Sept. 24. The court plans to revisit the order no later than Dec. 23.