Courthouses to reopen to public, but COVID-19 rules will remain

The Calgary Courts Centre and other courthouses across Alberta will reopen their doors to the public Monday but not quite with open arms.

Notices posted on the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench website said the restriction on public access imposed since March 2020 in response to the COVID -19 pandemic will be lifted on that day.

But measures put in place to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus, including mandatory masking and limited capacities for courtrooms, will continue.

“All other COVID-19 measures currently in place, including the use of Plexiglas barriers ... physical distancing, and vaccination policies (for staff) will remain in effect until further notice,” it was announced.

On March 26, 2020, a notice was posted limiting attendance to parties with matters before the courts, such as lawyers and witnesses, as well as accredited news media.

Plastic barriers were also put in place and all courtrooms were limited to certain capacities, based on size, to maintain physical distancing between those in attendance.

Throughout the pandemic, there were instances where even further limits were put in place, forcing many proceedings to be delayed or conducted remotely.

In most instances, judges have permitted counsel to remove their masks while in court and witnesses were offered a similar option.

While most COVID -19 measures have been lifted in other public spaces, courthouses across Alberta have continued to maintain restrictions to prevent the spread of the disease.

Measures relating to remote hearings and the filing of materials at the Court of Queen's Bench also will continue.