Los Angeles County will stall the last date to start criminal trials for two weeks, and at least one high-profile trial has been suspended, as coronavirus infections continue to surge across the region due to the Omicron variant. The delay, which will go into effect Wednesday, will allow court officials to “balance access to justice with local public safety needs,” according to Presiding Judge Eric Taylor. “I will continue to consult closely with L.A. County Department of Public Health ... officials on local conditions and any changes to public health orders and guidance during this winter surge,” Taylor said in a statement. Health officials also warned the weekend tallies might be an undercount due to the holiday. The Omicron surge has also paused at least one high-profile trial.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 05, 2022 05:43 UTC