In response to the announcement made by HMCTS that rapid testing of court users for Covid-19 is to be piloted at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre, Chair of the Bar Council, Derek Sweeting QC, said:
“Testing is essential to keep our justice system running safely. It’s crucial to increase confidence among court users during the pandemic, and rapid testing particularly for those who have coronavirus but are asymptomatic will be key to ensuring the safety of those who use and work in the justice system. We hope that the pilot is a success and that testing will be quickly rolled out to more courts, along with the introduction of more Nightingale Courts and investment in more court staff.”