By John Hyde2020-12-21T09:47:00+00:00
Court bosses today insisted that courts in Tier 4 areas of England will continue to open despite increased restrictions announced over the weekend.
Around 17 million people in London and across large parts of the south east were put into Tier 4 by the prime minister on Saturday after the discovery of a new variant of coronavirus.
HM Courts & Tribunals Service said today that buildings in affected areas continue to operate within Covid-secure guidelines, with no plans to change currently scheduled hearings. Under the restrictions, those involved in keeping the justice system running or fulfilling a legal obligation (including jury service) can continue to attend court and travel when required.
Oxford Crown Court More than a dozen people have tested positive for Covid 19 in an apparent outbreak at Oxford Crown Court. It is understood that some court users were made aware of the positive tests on Monday before a further e-mail was sent confirming the rise in cases on Wednesday. It comes after at least one trial - an alleged case of death by careless driving - was delayed last week due to a lack of court staff. Responding to the apparent outbreak a HM Courts and Tribunals Service spokesperson said: “Public safety is our priority. Oxford Combined Court has taken all necessary precautions in line with public health guidelines after positive cases of the virus were identified.
Oxford Crown Court More than a dozen people have tested positive for Covid 19 in an apparent outbreak at Oxford Crown Court. It is understood that some court users were made aware of the positive tests on Monday before a further e-mail was sent confirming the rise in cases on Wednesday. It comes after at least one trial - an alleged case of death by careless driving - was delayed last week due to a lack of court staff. Responding to the apparent outbreak a HM Courts and Tribunals Service spokesperson said: “Public safety is our priority. Oxford Combined Court has taken all necessary precautions in line with public health guidelines after positive cases of the virus were identified.