Grand jury gatherings are being called "simply reckless" by one New York district attorney. A grand jury elsewhere is sidelined for two weeks over a coronavirus infection. And a statewide prosecutors' association is warning that some grand juries, due to a lack of willing participants, are not able to meet quorum.

Surging coronavirus cases are again upending parts of New York's criminal justice system and operational difficulties with grand juries are now a focus point as officials navigate a worsening coronavirus landscape.

Court officials have shut down new jury trials and cut down on in-person staffing, but grand juries have still been allowed to move forward.

Meanwhile, many have seen the state's court system as sending mixed messages on grand juries. Chief Judge Janet DiFiore weeks ago implied grand jury operations were not going forward. Those comments came the same day a state court spokesman said the system was aiming to continue grand jury proceedings.