Courts will remain open during the new COVID-19 restrictions applying across England, the UK government has confirmed.

Prime minister Boris Johnson last night (4 January) announced a new lockdown for England to tackle a surge in COVID-19 cases. The restrictions will be in place until mid-February at least.

According to the Law Society Gazette of England and Wales, guidelines state that reasonable excuses for leaving home during lockdown include fulfilment of legal obligations, such as attending court as a lawyer or jury member, or to carry out activities relating to buying, selling or letting a home.

People are also allowed to leave home for meetings within prisons or immigration detention centres.

Essential service

The Gazette says the position on the courts is in contrast to the situation in March during the first lockdown, when fewer than half of buildings were kept open for essential face-to-face hearings.

Lord chancellor Robert Buckland QC MP said: “Our courts and tribunals continue to be an essential public service, served by essential workers and meeting COVID-secure standards endorsed by public health officials. With the use of remote hearings wherever appropriate, this vital work can and should continue.”

His justice department colleague Chris Philp MP said court and tribunal hearings, including jury trials, can carry on either remotely or in person.

He also confirmed that professional court users count as key workers and can, as a result, place their children in school.