Holders of Red Code not allowed in any Judiciary premises

In light of the Government's recent announcement on addition of the Red Code and Amber Code into the Vaccine Pass, the Judiciary announced today (August 12) its latest Vaccine Pass arrangement for entry into Judiciary premises. The aim is to ensure that the courts will continue to carry on business as safely as circumstances permit.

With immediate effect, holders of a Red Code (i.e. confirmed COVID cases) will not be allowed in any Judiciary premises. Holders of an Amber Code (i.e. inbound persons under medical surveillance) with positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) results that day or who have not taken any RAT that day should not come to any Judiciary premises either.

For other court users holding an Amber Code, they may enter Judiciary premises on the understanding that they comply with the Government's relevant requirements. In particular, they are reminded to obtain the negative results of their RATs before coming to any Judiciary premises that day. They also need to strictly observe all anti-epidemic measures for Judiciary premises, including mask-wearing (unless otherwise permitted by a Judge or Judicial Officer (JJO)) and mandatory body temperature checks.

With effect from next Monday (August 15), any Amber Code holders who are essential court users attending court hearings and may have to speak with their masks off (such as witnesses when giving testimony) should alert the relevant JJO to their Amber Code status before the hearing as far as practicable. The presiding JJO may give appropriate directions, including requiring the court users concerned to produce an image of the RAT outcome of the day. The relevant legal representative(s), if any, should help their witnesses to report such situation to the Court as appropriate. Details are shown at the Annex.

The present arrangement of requiring certain essential court users for jury proceedings to carry out RAT tests every day to enhance public health protection will continue.