The Courts Service is to revise courtroom capacity numbers “in the coming week” after making changes to its COVID-19 safety-management programme, which outlines public measures for courtrooms, court houses, and buildings.

The recommendations for users of courts and court offices say that physical distancing will continue to be encouraged, but with guidance for one metre, rather than two.

The courts body said that it had revised the programme after the publication of the Government’s new protocol for workplaces, which came in the wake of the easing of many pandemic restrictions.

“One-metre distancing is also recommended as best practice in the following areas: offices, public areas, canteens, meeting rooms, public counters, and consultation rooms,” according to the Courts Service.

Masks and screening

Mask-wearing is to continue, however, in all court houses and Courts Service buildings. Screening is also being retained, while there will still be staff assigned to managing the flow of people.

The courts body also stresses that consultation rooms will be available only where ventilation is adequate, and that all ventilation practices will stay in place for the foreseeable future.

The Courts Service will also retain existing procedures for the management of COVID-19 cases, which will change subject to HSE advice.