UK police to review Epstein-Maxwell case 0:41
(CNN) -
Judge Alison Nathan told the parties on Tuesday morning that she is concerned about the omicron variant in the city, which threatens the completion of the sex trafficking trial against Ghislaine Maxwell.
On Monday night he told the jury that they should be prepared to stay until at least 6 p.m. to continue deliberating, unless they had a scheduling conflict.
Jurors did not inform the court of any disputes at this time, Nathan said.
"I have extended the deliberations one hour each day because we are seeing an astronomical spike in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in New York City in the last two weeks due to the omicron variant. We are simply in a different place with respect to it. pandemic than we were just a week ago and now we face a high and increasing risk that jurors and / or trial participants may need to quarantine, disrupting the trial putting our ability to complete this trial. Consequently, extending the deliberations by one hour gives the jury more time each day to continue their thoughtful deliberations, "said Nathan.
Charges Against Ghislaine Maxwell in Federal Sex Trafficking Trial, Explained
The judge said she would revert to the issue later if necessary, suggesting further changes to the schedule if a verdict is not delivered soon.
"In light of the variance, my concern about the interruption of the trial, given the increasing daily risk of exposure of a juror or a participant in the trial requiring quarantine. It is time to think that jurors make plans to deliberate until a verdict is reached, "Nathan said.
The judge also heard arguments from attorneys on a defense request to send clarifying language to the jury on counts two and four in response to a note the jury sent Monday afternoon asking about count four related to the prosecutor Jane's activity in New Mexico.
Judge Nathan denied the request just like Monday.
Ghislaine Maxwell Jeffrey Epstein
