Judiciary implements covid19 policy

THE JUDICIARY has implemented its own covid19 policy to protect staff, customers and all stakeholders.

The policy and guidelines were shared with staff on Thursday after the World Health Organisation declared covid19 a pandemic.

Staff were told by court executive administrator, Master Christie-Anne Morris-Alleyne that a task force had been established to treat with covid19.

“As limiting contact with the public is a key preventative strategy, one of our key goals is to limit foot traffic in courthouses by developing and implementing systems to reduce the need for the public to come to courthouses, especially for non-essential visits and attendances,” staff were told.

Morris-Alleyne said a screening process will be implemented at the entrance to all court buildings and staff were asked to arrive for work 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

The screening process involves the asking of questions on travel history and if they have certain symptoms associated with the virus.

On Thursday, staff were expected to receive alcohol-based hand sanitisers, gloves and wipes.

Morris-Alleyne also said the Judiciary was in touch with various organisations, including the Health Ministry, Prisons, and the Police Service to work through protocols and procedures for various eventualities.

Among the measures staff were asked to adopt included: avoiding direct personal contact with the public; handle all material received from customers with disposable gloves; use separate equipment, including pens; handle identification cards by looking not touching and use gloves or have them dropped into Ziploc bags for scanning or copying.

The Judiciary’s human resource policy was also shared with staff which sets out the guidelines they are expected to follow. The guidelines include: isolation, and sanitisation of facilities.

Staff was also assured that sick leave ask a result of covid19 will not be classified as normal sick leave and will not be deducted from their annual 14 days eligibility.

Employees who have members of their household testing positive for covid19 must tell their supervisors immediately and produce the test results. Vulnerable employees, who have provided medical certificates, may be allowed to work remotely if their job can be done in that way.

In February, one High Court judge took precautionary measures after it was discovered that an accused in his court had returned from China, days before she was expected to appear before him.

Justice St Clair-Douglas said the court’s registrar was told of the woman’s travels and orders were given that she ought not to enter the courtroom.

Her matter comes up for hearing in April.