Court to Adopt Enhanced Social Distancing Measures

The Judiciary announced today (July 28) that in view of the latest public health situation and related developments, there will be additional adjustments to the social distancing measures to further reduce crowd gathering and people flow in court premises.

Court business is an essential public service. It enables the effective and efficient administration of justice. However, given that the COVID-19 epidemic may last for a prolonged period of time, the Judiciary will continue to monitor the public health risks with a view to putting in place timely and appropriate measures to ensure that the courts can continue to carry on business safely as circumstances permit.

Court hearings will generally proceed as scheduled unless directed otherwise by the court. Parties will be given directions by the court should there be any changes.

New jury trials and new death inquests involving juries scheduled to commence between August 3 to 14 will be re-listed. Parties will be contacted by the court on rescheduling arrangements.

In light of the Government's latest prohibition on dining-in arrangements, the court may give suitable directions by holding hearings in the mornings or afternoons only, or allowing a longer lunch duration, where appropriate. For public health reasons, court users will continue not be allowed to bring food to the court premises for consumption.

The seating capacity of the public gallery of courtrooms and court lobbies will be further reduced to enhance social distancing. Instantaneous viewing of proceedings within the same court building may be arranged if necessary and practicable. Capacity limits and admission control for areas such as court lobbies, registries and accounts offices will be tightened to limit people flow.

From July 30 onwards, the registries and accounts offices of various levels of courts will reduce its operating hours, i.e. from 8:45am to 12:30pm and from 2:00pm to 5:00pm (Monday to Friday, except public holidays). As a result, the capacity of the registry and accounts services will be further reduced. Further delays are expected.

Also from July 30 onwards, the other offices that provide support services to court users and the public will also reduce its operating hours as shown below:

Remarks: The above offices are open from Mondays to Fridays (closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays).

Starting from the same date, the counter service of the Complaints Office will also be suspended until further notice.

For enquiries regarding general arrangements on the businesses, the following hotlines will be operated with reduced operating hours from Monday to Friday 8:45am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 5pm:

The Judiciary will continue to post updated information, including Daily Cause Lists, all arrangements in relation to Judiciary business and advice to court users, on the Judiciary website (www.judiciary.hk). Court users are strongly advised to check the website for updated information.

Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts resumes handling fresh remand cases next Monday

The Judiciary today (August 7) announced that after reviewing the latest situation, Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts will resume handling fresh remand cases from next Monday (August 10).

For enquiries, the following hotline will be operated from Monday to Friday 8.45am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5pm (except public holidays):

Magistrates' Courts: 2677 8373

The Judiciary will continue to strictly enforce appropriate preventive and crowd management measures. These measures include enhanced cleansing and disinfection of public areas, requiring all people entering the Judiciary premises to undergo body temperature checks and wear surgical masks at all times unless otherwise directed by the judge, expansion of registry/office areas as far as possible, and putting in place necessary queuing, ticketing or other crowd management arrangements to regulate the people flow and avoid crowding.