YOUNGSTOWN - Mahoning County Judges prepare for the “new normal” as they plan to resume trials amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

A letter signed by five judges announced that they will resume hearing criminal and civil trials on July 20, 2020.

Trials have been suspended in the county since March 16 after state officials declared a health emergency due to the rising number of coronavirus cases.

Some court proceedings continued using social distancing practices.

The letter says now that the governor has re-opened all businesses, institutions, and recreational sites, the court plans to resume trials using polices to prevent the spread of COVID-19.