Please not the following information from Eric McQueen, Chief Executive, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service:-
As you will be aware, SCTS has set out arrangements for two metre physical distancing within our buildings. That measure will remain in place along with all others set out in our guidance.
In addition to this we are introducing the requirement for face coverings to be worn, predominately within public areas, where there is a tendency for more people to be present and therefore a greater risk of virus transmission. We have discussed with health colleagues and they are supportive of this move, which we will implement from Monday 31 August.
We are advising court and tribunal users to wear face coverings when entering and leaving the building, while moving from one part of the building to another, or while waiting in communal areas such as reception points, witness rooms or outside a courtroom.
Face coverings are not required:
• Within the courtroom or hearing room (the judge may ask you to remove your face covering while you are participating in the business of the court or tribunal)
• Within SCTS or COPFS offices, Defence Agents’ accommodation or in the office spaces for staff of other organisations who are based in our premises. In these areas robust physical distancing measures must remain in place.
This is not a mandatory requirement but it is in all our interests to comply with this request. I am seeking your support to advise your colleagues and staff, who require to be in those buildings, of this change and our request for face coverings to be worn.