The Government announced this week that everyone visiting shops and supermarkets must wear a face covering from 24th July. It has already been a requirement in England to wear a face covering whilst on public transport, so what does this mean if you need to attend court?
The current Courts & Tribunals Service guidance is in line with the government position, saying face coverings should be worn in enclosed places where social distancing is not possible, such as public transport and shops.
It does not go further. Therefore at time of writing there is no specific instruction on wearing face masks in court. A judge may, however, have a particular reason to require people in her or his court do so (possibly because a person is medically vulnerable).
As for penalties, the government release states that failing to wear a face covering in a shop from 24th July can result in a £100 fine. Such formal sanction does not apply in courts unless or until the government extends the instruction.
So the decision on whether to wear a face mask depends on your view of the scientific medical opinions in the news or your own belief on what is reasonable. There are different opinions in the media on whether a face covering just stops your breath reaching others or whether it gives the wearer any protection. What is clear is that we will shortly see more and more people wearing face coverings and it is likely that increasingly they will be accepted as normal practice in the same way as in other countries.
One crucial thing to remember is that face coverings do not replace social distancing or good hygiene. So if you do need to attend a court make sure you know where the handwashing facilities and sanitiser stations are located.
Government instruction on how to handle the covid situation does change so please look out for any update on this and follow the instructions when you enter the court building.
Our Team at Nalders are here to help, advise and support you in these difficulties times.