Stuff NZ reports
A District Court judge has adjourned a high-priority trial over the likelihood of wide-spread community Covid infections, as the Ministry of Justice and senior judges press ahead with plans to open the country’s courts.
The judge’s decision is the latest development in a situation centred on safety measures in court – specifically, where the highly-contagious Omicron variant of Covid-19 could be concerned.
The adjournment follows Stuff reporting earlier today that a senior provincial lawyer had said they, and colleagues, would not show up to represent clients at trial, unless court protocols are tightened.
Under the protocol, defendants, witnesses and prospective jurors will still be allowed to enter courthouses even if they cannot present a vaccine pass or a negative Covid test.
