Manitoba court takes COVID precautions

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This article was published 26/05/2021 (1752 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

AS the COVID-19 pandemic strengthens its grip on the province, Manitoba’s provincial court is suspending all out-of-custody trials until at least June 11 and tightening its focus on remote hearings.

“Due to the rise of positive cases of COVID-19 in Manitoba, climbing test positivity rates and the suspension of school classes in various regions, these modifications will focus on restricting the need for persons to attend in person in any provincial court in Manitoba,” Provincial court Chief Judge Margaret Wiebe said in a notice posted online Friday.

The notice was posted one day after the province reported a record-setting 603 new COVID-19 cases in Manitoba.

According to the court notice, out-of-custody trials may be approved if all parties — including lawyers, witnesses and the accused — can appear remotely.

Out-of-custody trials already in progress will proceed only if they can be done remotely.

All in-custody trials set for Winnipeg, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, The Pas, Dauphin and Thompson will proceed as scheduled.

Both in-custody and out-of-custody sentencing hearings will proceed “on the presumption all parties appear remotely, including support people,” says the notice, with video conferencing as “the preferred platform.”

All circuit court sittings in the province have been replaced with virtual dockets.

A Winnipeg Law Courts source told the Free Press two staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past week.

“I can confirm that there are a number of staff currently self-isolating at the direction of public health,” a Manitoba Justice spokesperson said in an email.

“We can advise that there is enhanced daily cleaning throughout the Law Courts complex,” the spokesperson said. “Staff are continually reminded to stay home when sick, wash or sanitize their hands frequently, follow proper cough etiquette and practice physical distancing.”