Courthouses across Alberta will be resuming all in-person trials starting Tuesday February 22nd.
Provincial court officials say they will remove restrictions on out-of-custody trials, preliminary inquiries and other hearings put in place since January due to the rapid spread of the omicron variant. These matters will now proceed as scheduled.
“We’re always mindful of the impact that these kinds of restrictions can have on those who are having to navigate our justice system, and we never bring in these restrictions lightly,” Chief Judge Derek Redman said. “Throughout these past six weeks of restrictions, the courts have continued to hear all in-custody matters as well as all urgent matters, and we have expanded the use of virtual courtrooms for cases that could be handled remotely.”
The following COVID-19 precautions will remain in effect:
- Social distancing rules
- Limited capacity within courtrooms and courthouses
- Plexiglas barriers within courtrooms
- Enhanced cleaning
- Mandatory facemasks as per court directive
More information is available on the Alberta Provincial Court’s website.