Among Friends

[Shelbelle]

Definitely do what it takes to get out of it. 

[Jordan2]

You probably still have to show up. I would tell the judge that I'm not comfortable sitting on a jury at this time for whatever reason you have. I don't see how they can make you serve if your worried about your health.

[ALRATIBA]

I just googled to see if there was any info online:

Nearly every state suspended in-person jury trials in the early months of the pandemic, starting in March. By late summer and early fall, most courts resumed in-person jury trials on a limited basis. Many required masks and temperature checks; some installed plexiglass barriers and reconfigured courtrooms to allow for social distancing.

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There's info out there about situatiom in various locations.

[CelticCrafter]

Absolutely not, not in windowless rooms for hours on end, not even with social distancing and masks.  No way, no how...

[Catty2]

I received one recently.  A few years ago my doctor filled out a form permanently excusing me from july duty due to a few physical ailments.  I called the court and they looked it up and saw the letter.  They told me to disregard the summons, it was sent in error.  

[sueinsf]

I got a jury summons the end of November and pushed it back 6 months -- which means I will have to go in end of May.  Still not sure I want to go in then, but you can only push it out once.  You can't say you don't want to come in due to Covid, that isn't an exceptable excuse.  Only a note from a Doctor would probably be acceptable at that point.

[patbz]

In AZ you're excused if you are 75+(I'm 77); no more jury duty!

[morganjen]

I had to serve in June. The only way you could opt out was if you had a medical reason and had a doctor sign off the paperwork. The first day of the trial, we found out one of the jurors had been exposed to Covid. I told the baliff that I wasn't comfortable there since my husband is in a high-risk catagory. I guess he was convinced, because I was then released.

[SXMGirl]

@Boomernichols  I am sure that there are safeguards; but, since you are concerned, just fill out the info to be excused.  I served quite a few years ago and wish that I had tried to be excused.  My poor eyesight keeps me from driving at night and our deliberations continued after dark.  I almost hit someone pulling out of the parking garage.  Also, if you are hearing impaired, you can use that.  The judge will ask the jurors, assuming that you are actually called for a trial, if anyone has any kind of disability or hardship.  If you have one, put in on the form to be returned to the court.  Don't wait until you get there.

[Wsmom]

Each county is different, I am sure, but in our county there are instructions on what to do if you are unable to serve at this time.  Many people don't read that and don't realize it.  Read your summons thoroughly and pick which one best applies.  Putting it off until after the pandemic because you are just so worried about getting sick you won't be able to concentrate and give a case your full attention, etc.  If you have any kind of health condition, or anybody you live with does, ask your doc to write you a note saying that.  I worked in a courtroom for well over 30 years and all the time people would show up, totally stressed out,  causing their anxiety to skyrocket, when if they had just read the letter it would have been an easy fix and they wouldn't have even had to go down.  Google your county's jury service and see if there isn't a link to jury duty with what to do if you need to defer it.

ETA:   I just checked my county's jury service page and it tells what they are doing about covid; maybe yours has something, too. Good luck!