SALEM, Va. – After nearly nine months, jury trials are starting back up again across southwest Virginia, but they will look a little different because of COVID-19 safety guidelines. Staff members at Roanoke County Circuit Court have been working around the clock to have jury trials during the pandemic. After a backlog of trial dates were pushed back for nine months, the county hosted its first jury trial last week. Court officials agree it’s important to find creative ways to make jury trials work, as they are vital to democracy. The court had to have its plans approved by the state before it could start jury trials again.