The Alabama Supreme Court on Wednesday suspended jury trials through the summer because of the coronavirus outbreak.

In an administrative order, justices said in-person court proceedings can resume beginning May 15 at the discretion of presiding local judges. However, jury trials shall remain suspended until Sept. 14, the court said.

The court had earlier suspended in-person court proceedings, although hearings were happening by telephone and videoconference.

Justices said presiding circuit judges can extend the restriction of in-person court proceedings provided that the order does not extend beyond Aug. 15.

As of Wednesday, more than 10,600 people in the state had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, and about 440 people statewide had died.