In response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney, the Local Court has released a memo requiring masks to be worn in all public corridors and waiting rooms in the Local Court. Further, everyone in the courtroom is strongly encouraged to wear a mask during proceedings.

There are exceptions to wearing a mask in the courtroom for lawyers responsible for presenting a case, an active participant in the proceedings, or an unrepresented party or witness giving evidence. The presiding magistrate also has a discretion to excuse a person from wearing a mask in the courtroom.

This is the first time masks have been strongly encouraged in the courtroom in NSW and the requirement relates to all courts within the Sydney metropolitan area including the Downing Centre, Parramatta and Burwood Local Court. The full memorandum can be view here.

Photo credit: https://www.australianpharmacist.com.au/pharmacies-demand-for-masks/