CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Justice is still being served in P.E.I.’s courts, but precautions are in place to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Anyone who is under a public health directive or self-isolation is asked not to attend and to notify the courts.
The courts are also asking anyone who is experiencing a health issue to contact their lawyer or, if they are self-represented, the applicable court.
To help reduce the spread of the virus, the courts are dealing with some matters by phone when possible.
The frequency of sanitation of some surfaces in the province’s courts is also increasing.
As of March 16, cases were still proceeding but a normally packed room at the provincial courthouse saw fewer than a dozen people inside as sheriffs asked anyone who was not an accused party in a case to wait outside.
The accused people were then directed to sit by themselves to avoid close contact with each other.
Meanwhile, a statement from the Justice Department said a business continuity management plan and measures are in place for the Provincial Correctional Centre to support inmates and staff.
That includes providing the latest information on COVID-19, risk factors, precautions and the implementation of additional cleaning and disinfection protocols, the statement said.
