JURORS will regularly have their temperatures checked and will be spread out around the courtroom when jury trials return to Newcastle District Court in mid-June.
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The NSW District Court announced on Monday that it intends to lift the temporary suspension of jury trials at three major court venues, including Newcastle courthouse, from June 15.
The District Court said it had worked closely with other government agencies to identify venues and courtrooms which could comply with social distancing requirements. Some of the measures to reduce the risk of an outbreak and ensure safe jury service will include temperature testing, social distancing, individual jury meals, additional commercial cleaning and limiting public access in courtrooms.
Attorney General Mark Speakman said COVID-19 restrictions had necessarily delayed jury trials as the justice system adapted to the social distancing needed to combat the virus.
In Newcastle, dozens of jury trials have already been adjourned until later in 2020 or early 2021.
