New York's court system is cutting down on in-person staffing as key coronavirus metrics worsen and the state warns of regional shutdowns if hospitals approach critical capacity.

In-person staffing is being lessened to no more than 40 percent of pre-pandemic levels in courts statewide except for New York City, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore said in a video statement on Monday. For courts in New York City, in-person staffing is being curtailed to no more than 30 percent of pre-pandemic levels, she said. The limits went into effect Monday, she said.

State courts, she said, are sharply curtailing the amount of in-person matters allowed to go forward.

"Nonessential personal appearances in civil courts are being temporarily suspended, and only a number of in-person essential and emergency matters will be heard in criminal, family and housing court," she said in the video.