Harris County Civil Courthouse, 201 Caroline (Photo: Courtesy Photo)

Twenty-four judges in Harris County who handle civil cases won't hold any jury trials in March because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Judge Michael Gomez of the 129th Civil District Court, who is also the civil administrative judge in Harris County's district courts, announced in a public notice that the choice to stop calling civil jury trials for March came about "in response to the growing public health concerns and to protect the due process rights of all residents of Harris County."

"Each court will exercise its discretion on a case-by-case basis regarding the calling of bench trials," wrote Gomez.

Gomez, who wasn't immediately available for comment, wrote in an email that the courts will release other general guidance Thursday, after a meeting in the morning "to work those issues out."

Judge R.K. Sandill, of the 127th District, was one of the first four judges to make the decision. Sandhill explained that to get enough jurors for a civil jury trial, a court must call 35 to 40 potential jurors into court. The courts have canceled jury calls so they don't have to call in that crowd—especially people over 60 years old, who could get very sick if they contract coronavirus.

Sandill posted a notice on his court website saying he's still open to conducting bench trials.

"The court will exercise its discretion on a case-by-case basis regarding the calling of bench trials," Sandill wrote.

Judge Rabeea Sultan Collier, of the 113th Civil District, posted a notice telling anyone who has been sick with fever, a cough or shortness of breath to reschedule in-person hearings. The court is already set up to conduct telephone hearings and would use a policy of encouraging parties to cut down on in-person contact as much as possible.

"If you are ill, please do not come to the 113th District Court," said Collier's notice.

The news of the judges canceling jury trials for the month came the same day as Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner declared a health emergency in the city, and closed down the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo early, reported ABC13 Houston.

The Texas Tribune reported that a Houston man who tested positive for coronavirus—who had attended the Houston rodeo—may be the first sign of community spread of COVID-19 within Texas.