People attending courts in England will be asked to wear face coverings in public areas of courts and tribunals buildings from Monday, according to the UK Gazette.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) chief executive Susan Acland-Hood wrote to representative bodies yesterday (23 July) announcing the measure, based on the latest advice from Public Health England on minimising COVID-19 risk.

Enclosed

The Gazette said the move came just over a week since the government said it would not require masks in court buildings, as face covering became mandatory from 24 July in enclosed public spaces including supermarkets, banks and post offices.

In the guidance, HMCTS said individuals may be asked to temporarily remove their face covering for identification purposes.

Risk

Courtrooms themselves will be covered by previous guidance which does not require face coverings. When people are speaking or presenting evidence in the courtroom, masks may be removed, and judges and magistrates may ask for them to be removed.

Anyone speaking without a face covering must strictly observe two-metre social distancing rules.

“We’re continuing to comprehensively assess the risk to staff and all users, ensuring the safety of anyone who comes into our buildings by applying published court and tribunal coronavirus safety controls, and do this in line with the latest criteria,” said Acland-Hood.

Practice direction

In Ireland, the President of the High Court Justice Mary Irvine issued a practice direction earlier this month on face coverings for hearings involving oral evidence.

The High Court President that while face coverings were not mandatory at present, all persons in court were advised to wear them unless giving evidence, questioning a witness or addressing the court.

This does not apply to those who, for medical or other welfare considerations, cannot wear a face covering.