CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Common Pleas Court officials announced a rare move that it will hold court hearings Saturday as part of an effort to stave off the potential spread of the novel coronavirus in the county’s crowded jail.

Administrative and Presiding Judge Brendan Sheehan said the court will hold arraignment, bond reduction and plea hearings Saturday, after Sheriff David Schilling, Prosecutor Michael O’Malley and Public Defender Mark Stanton pledged to have staff members available.

The move is meant to get as many of the jail’s 1,900 inmates as possible out of the facility with an emphasis on non-violent, low-level felony cases.

The virus, also known as COVID-19, is a respiratory illness. Its symptoms mirror those of the common flu, and health officials say the virus poses greater risks of severe complications and even death to people older than 60 or those who have other health problems. Those who test positive for the virus are being instructed to remain in home isolation until cleared by their doctor.

Sheehan said that the Cuyahoga County Jail currently houses inmates as old as 73 years old, and younger men and women who have significant health issues.

He said officials are working under the assumption that it is only a matter of time before an inmate is diagnosed with COVID-19, and reducing the number of inmates at the jail would lessen the strain that a potential quarantine at the jail may have on resources, and put as few people as possible at risk of catching the virus.

The court’s judges also voted this week to suspend most jury trials until April 8, and agreed to expand the use of video and telephone conferencing in an effort to reduce the number of people who file into downtown’s Justice Center complex each day. The court also announced Wednesday that it would establish a phone line for people summoned to appear for jury duty on Monday that allows them to call before their service and find out if they have to report to the courthouse. Court spokesman Darren Toms said Thursday afternoon that the court was still setting up that line.

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