RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Supreme Court has extended its statewide freeze on non-emergency court hearings because of the coronavirus epidemic.

The order delays most court cases until May 17.

It’s the court’s third emergency order, and the second extension so far. The first extension was set to expire Monday.

State courts have already postponed thousands of cases that were scheduled for May.

The court’s order says that “emergencies” can generally go forward. They include arraignments, bail hearings, protective order hearings and emergency child custody hearings.

Attendance is also restricted to people that include lawyers, witnesses and court personnel.

Judges also have the discretion to conduct non-emergency court business by phone or video if everyone on a case agrees.