Effective  December 1, 2020, the Government implemented a protocol wherein arriving passengers to the Territory on (Day 0), are required to quarantine for four days only, and following receipt of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, persons are allowed to move freely within the Territory.

Persons travelling from the United Kingdom and the Dominican Republic are required to quarantine for 14 days.

According to a statement from the Magistrate's Court Manager, Mrs Annette Williams-Sylvester on Friday, January 22, 2021, it has come to the attention of the court that counsels and other parties to proceedings have recently concluded the required four-day quarantine following periods of travel, and have resumed regular activity.

4-day quarantine period not enough

"Additionally, it is likely that persons will travel in the future as well. As the number of judicial officers and court staff are finite, we cannot risk our operations coming to a bait as a result of exposure to COVID-19 due to the inherent risks of a shortened quarantine period. Our premises are also small and the number of persons requiring access to justice daily continues to grow. Time and crowd management remain a constant struggle despite our best efforts."

According to Mrs Williams-Sylvester, the incubation period for the virus is known to be fourteen days and in exceptional cases can be as long as twenty-one days.

She said while the four-day multiple test regime does provide a layer of protection, a fourteen-day period of quarantine is preferable to ensure the safety and protection of court officers.

Taking no chances

"Since, December 1, 2020, the borders to the Territory have been open to visitors and as evidenced by published statistics, a number of cases have been and continue to be imported in the Territory. The court recognises the level of risk that this poses and as we endeavour to continue providing service, we must make modifications to safeguard the health of all.

"If you have travelled and fall within this category, or are a close contact of someone who falls within same, we kindly ask that you make contact with the Court Office at telephone number 468-4360, or 468-4283 to make arrangements so that your matter could be heard electronically, or adjourned to a later date where said feature is unavailable."

Mrs Williams-Sylvester said the measures are being put in place to "protect all of us" and the continuity of the justice system.