By Gabriel Princewill-
Uk Courts will remain open despite Covid restrictions, and even in the event of a national lockdown, according to a weekly operational update.
HMCTS confirmed that physical hearings will continue to take place in Tier 4 areas where necessary. The announcement is at odds with tier 4 restrictions which restricts none essential businesses from opening. Lawyers will also be allowed to stay overnight away from home for work purposes if their physical presence in court is deemed essential.
A Ministry Of Justice Spoksesperson told The Eye Of Media.Com that
”courts are Covid secure and that jury services operating will be protected by social distancing and glass coverings.
‘Public health experts have confirmed that existing Covid-secure arrangements remain sufficient in dealing with the challenges provided by the new mutation of the virus,’ HMCTS said.
‘Because our buildings are not considered close contact settings and the measures we have put in place, as part of our Covid-19 risk management arrangements, are extensive and satisfy public health guidelines for a COVID-secure environment… The way to control this virus is the same, whatever the variant. It will not spread if we avoid close contact with others.’
With most of the Uk in enter Tier 4 and the announcement of a national lockdown imminent in the wake of increased hospitalisations, the courts are determined not to allow lags in the court system.
A process for checking compliance at each site is in place, with controls reviewed and monitored at each court and tribunal building.
Over 250 courtrooms have now been assessed as being capable and available to hold jury trials, and plexiglass screens have been installed in roughly 400 courtrooms and jury deliberation rooms.
The Ministry of Justice is now operating 18 Nightingale courts – several in Tier 4 areas – to try to ease the backlog which has built up in the past nine months. An additional £110m has also been spent on emergency measures which include building Portakabin units, installing plexiglass and recruiting more staff, as well as opening Nightingale courts.
Individuals with symptoms such as a high temperature, fever, or a continuous cough or loss of sense of smell or taste, are advised not to attend court.
Many court cases were delayed during the first lockdown in March, leading to lags in cases due to cancellations.