Judges in New Orleans said Friday they would suspend all residential evictions in response to the growing threat of the novel coronavirus.

All evictions pending in 1st and 2nd City Courts, which cover the east and west banks of Orleans Parish respectively, will be suspended until April 24, according to a court order released by the judges.

The directive does not apply to evictions that have already been ordered but not carried out, a court spokesman said.

Orleans Parish Civil District Court judges are also suspending jury trials until April 24, they said.

"All contradictory matters shall be decided on the briefs. The court may allow oral argument under special circumstances," the judges said.

The announcement came hours after the Louisiana Supreme Court urged all courts in the state to dramatically curtail their operations in light of the threat from the virus, which is primarily spread through person-to-person contact.

The Civil District Courthouse, which is adjacent to New Orleans City Hall, is one of the busiest public buildings in the city.