COVID 19 Measures - Conditions of entry to Magistrates Court buildings

From Monday 14 March 2022 the following are conditions of entry to all Magistrates Court buildings and Country Courts:

  1. Face masks must be worn at all times in all public areas including waiting areas, court rooms, conference rooms and amenities, except if directed to remove the mask by an authorised person.

    Exemptions to wearing of masks apply for the following persons:

    • Children aged under 12 years or a student at primary school, or
    • Anyone with a medical exemption which certifies that the person has a physical or mental health, illness, condition or disability that makes the wearing of a face mask unsuitable.  Evidence of a medical exemption must be provided on request when entering the building.
  2. Entry is not permitted for the following people:
    • Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, including a cough, sore throat, runny nose, high temperature, shortness of breath.
    • Anyone who is required by Public Health to be in quarantine or isolation.

    Anyone in these categories should contact the Registry by phone or email to confirm arrangements for appearing in court by telephone.

  3. Limits remain on the number of people who may enter the building to allow physical distancing in all public areas, including court rooms.

    Any person who is not a participant in proceedings before the court is requested to stay outside the building.  A person who requires support for their court appearance may be accompanied by one person to provide support. They should enter at the same time as you.  Groups of family members or friends may be refused entry.

  4. Everyone entering is required to wash or sanitise their hands on entry.
  5. On entry you will need to comply with physical distancing recommended by the Director of Public Health, including limiting physical contact (eg handshakes, hugging or kissing) and keeping 1.5 metres away from others.

Members of the public appearing in court will be asked to spread out within the available public space, and may be required to wait in designated areas until the matter is ready to proceed.

It is important for the safety of individuals and for the community generally for people attending the court to follow the directions of court staff and security officers, and we seek your cooperation in achieving this.

The services of the Court’s Justices of the Peace are currently restricted to signing Magistrates Court-related documents only.

Please refer to the Magistrates Court’s website for any updates.

11 March 2022

Penelope Ikedife
Administrator of Courts

Circulars

2020

Practice Directions

2022

2020