Wagga will join a statewide temporary ban on jury trials as part of a raft of measures introduced to help minimise the spread of the coronavirus.
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From Monday, all new supreme and district court jury trials will be suspended until further notice. Jury trials already under way will continue.
Judge alone trials, bail applications and civil trials will not be affected.
Steps have already been implemented to enable those matters to proceed taking into account the advice received concerning the virus, according to NSW Chief Justice Tom Bathurst and Chief Judge of the District Court, Derek Price.
Visitors not involved in proceedings have been asked to stay away from any NSW court building, including Wagga, and measures will also be implemented to reduce contact between parties in current matters.
Local courts will be introducing greater use of audio visual link (AVL) technology to minimise the number of people inside courtrooms.
Court staff and participants will continue to be provided with the latest information on self-protection and hygiene, according to NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman.
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In addition, the Department of Communities and Justice will be working in partnership with NSW Health on further measures to reduce the impact of coronavirus.
Mr Speakman said other measures were currently being considered, including ways to centralise local court bail applications at key locations; ways to reduce physical contact between jurors in current trials and pre-recording evidence from key witnesses, for use in jury trials when they resume.
According to the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, there were no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the region as of Monday morning.
Health officials say there are ways people can help slow the virus's spread and are urging members of the public to minimise travel, increase personal awareness around hand hygiene and practice social distancing.
You can help reduce potential for transmission of the virus by
- avoiding crowds and mass gatherings
- avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces
- keep a distance of 1.5 metres between themselves and other people
- avoiding shaking hands, hugging, or kissing other people
- avoiding visiting vulnerable people, such as those in aged care facilities or hospitals.
Len Bruce, the executive director of medical services, has encouraged everyone to wash their hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, stay away from crowds, sneeze or cough into your elbow, and stay home in self isolation if sick.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, sore throat, dry cough, and runny nose, Dr Bruce said.
Those suffering acute, cold, flu-like symptoms who have recently returned from travelling or are a contact of a confirmed case are urged to be tested for the virus. To do this, call HealthDirect on 1800 0222 222 to be triaged and advised by a nurse over the phone. Alternatively, contact your GP to book an appointment and let them know in advance if you have symptoms - these might include fever, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath.
