The Alameda County Superior Court has extended its public closure period to May 1 in response to the extension of the shelter-in-place order to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, or the novel coronavirus.

In a Thursday press release, the court also requested a number of relief forms including the extension of the California Superior Court emergency order enacted by the chair of the Judicial Council on March 17 as well as the authority to continue considering the public closure period a “holiday.”

“The Court particularly thanks its staff and partners throughout this emergency closure period for working together during this stressful and resource-strained time,” the press release read.

With authority granted by California Gov. Gavin Newsom through an executive order, Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye issued a statewide order that authorized all Superior Courts to issue implementation orders that would extend the time for holding preliminary examinations and criminal arraignments and further continue civil and criminal jury trials.

As a result, the court has extended the time for in-custody arraignments and preliminary examinations and is continuing criminal trial dates by 60 days. The court has also adopted a temporary Emergency Bail Schedule and is further ordering the stay of all unlawful detainer proceedings, including evictions, until May 3, among others.

“During this emergency period, the Court continues to work with its justice partners and other court stakeholders to maintain due process rights and expand and enhance its provision of essential services as resources permit,” the press release read.

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