On June 15, 2020, Chief Judge DiFiore announced that the five upstate regions—Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mohawk Valley, Southern Tier, and North Country—that began Phase III reopening last Friday, June 12, will expand the number of in-person functions in their courthouses beginning June 17.[1] Accordingly, these regions will now handle in-person matters including a limited number of bench trials in civil matters.

As was the case with Phase II, in anticipation of increased courthouse traffic, courts will employ staggered scheduling and courtroom usage to maintain safety and ensure that no more than half of the courtrooms are being used at any given time.