Scottish courts tackle Omicron with new COVID measures

Scottish courts are increasing their precautions against COVID-19 following the latest Scottish Government guidance aimed at reducing personal contacts.

Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service has announced that courts are immediately beginning the move from one metre back to two metre physical distancing in all SCTS buildings, in response to the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant. 

Achieving this will take a number of days as layouts and signage are rearranged. "However, it is an environment that has worked successfully previously and we are taking steps now to achieve 2m physical distancing where possible as we finalise arrangements", SCTS said.

From Monday 20 December, further revised arrangements will include:

• limiting physical attendance at a range of criminal procedural hearings;
• reducing summary criminal trial loadings in order to manage the number of accused, legal representatives and witnesses who need to be on the premises at any one point in time; and
• reverting to a virtual model for the majority of civil and tribunal business.

Revised court guidance confirming the new arrangements will be published shortly. Measures will be kept under regular review. 

In addition, all those coming to court buildings are asked to take a lateral flow test in advance. Those working in the buildings will test regularly.