The Supreme Court on Monday postponed oral arguments scheduled for its March session, including a potentially landmark dispute over subpoenas for President Trump Donald John TrumpObama calls on Senate not to fill Ginsburg's vacancy until after election Planned Parenthood: 'The fate of our rights' depends on Ginsburg replacement Progressive group to spend M in ad campaign on Supreme Court vacancy MORE’s financial records, amid concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

A court spokeswoman said the move was “in keeping with public health precautions” in response to the outbreak, which has infected 18 people in Washington, D.C., and more than 3,800 nationwide.

“The court will examine the options for rescheduling those cases in due course in light of the developing circumstances,” the spokeswoman said.

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The postponement affects six days of oral arguments slated for late March and April 1, including a March 31 dispute involving efforts by House Democrats and New York state prosecutors to obtain years of Trump’s financial records and tax returns.

The court in a statement said that the postponement of argument sessions in light of public health concerns is not unprecedented.

"The Court postponed scheduled arguments for October 1918 in response to the Spanish flu epidemic," it said. "The Court also shortened its argument calendars in August 1793 and August 1798 in response to yellow fever outbreaks."

The Supreme Court building remains open for official business, including the justices’ regularly scheduled March 20 conference. Some justices may participate in that conference remotely by telephone, a spokeswoman said. The building remains closed to the public indefinitely.

“The court is expanding remote working capabilities to reduce the number of employees in the building, consistent with public health guidance,” the spokeswoman said.

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Six of the nine justices are age 65 or older, placing them in a population that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers to be at risk for serious illness from coronavirus.

The older justices are Ruth Bader Ginsburg Ruth Bader GinsburgObama calls on Senate not to fill Ginsburg's vacancy until after election Planned Parenthood: 'The fate of our rights' depends on Ginsburg replacement Progressive group to spend M in ad campaign on Supreme Court vacancy MORE, 87; Stephen BreyerStephen BreyerJustice Ginsburg dies weeks before election Trump's Supreme Court list reveals influence of Clarence Thomas President Nancy Pelosi? Don't underestimate what she might do in office MORE, 81; Clarence Thomas Clarence ThomasSenate Republicans face tough decision on replacing Ginsburg Renewed focus on Trump's Supreme Court list after Ginsburg's death Justice Ginsburg dies weeks before election MORE, 71; Samuel Alito Samuel AlitoJustice Ginsburg dies weeks before election Trump's Supreme Court list reveals influence of Clarence Thomas Supreme Court deals blow to GOP in dispute over RI absentee ballots MORE, 69; and John Roberts and Sonia Sotomayor Sonia SotomayorDemocrats, advocates seethe over Florida voting rights ruling Supreme Court refuses to halt execution of Navajo inmate amid tribe's objections Stakes high for Supreme Court as Trump battles for reelection MORE, 65.

--This report was updated at 11:04 a.m.