Belize City. September 5, 2020. 3:19 p.m.
The Belize Supreme Court and the General Registry hereby informs the public that regrettably, two of our employees have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result of this, and through contact tracing, twenty members of our staff will be tested for COVID-19. The Supreme Court and General Registry are providing full support to our employees and their families. Our highest priority is always to protect the health and safety of our staff and the public who utilize our services. As such we have taken every precaution to ensure that we adhere to all safety guidelines.
The Supreme Court and the General Registry Staff have had limited interactions with the public and have provided for an email filing system and a drop box at the General Registry for documents to be lodged. Where it necessitated that there was interaction, the employees had maintained adequate social distance and were wearing masks at all times. All employees are required to wear masks, maintain six feet or more of physical distance, and to wash and sanitize hands regularly.
The Supreme Court and the General Registry have been proactive in its planning and preparation by putting in place Practice Directions which regulate the procedures for the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, Magistrate Court, Family Court and the General Registry during these unprecedented times. These Practice Directions have evolved with the ever-increasing presence of COVID-19 within our jurisdiction, and as well as the changing of Statutory Instruments related to this pandemic. A protocol has also been established to address Potentially Exposed Staff. Where possible, arrangements have also been made for staff to work from home. Staff rotation has also been put in place to ensure that there is the ability to practice social distancing in the workplace. The procedures and protocols are being consistently assessed to ensure that the safety of our staff and the public are at the forefront. The focus continues to be on preserving the health and safety of our employees, the public and their families.
The Supreme Court and the General Registry will be closed for the next two working weeks commencing the 7th September, 2020 to the 18th September, 2020. All office space will be sanitized on the 7th & 8th September, 2020 as a precaution and in keeping with the Ministry of Health Protocol.
A skeleton staff will assist with urgent applications. All filing should be forwarded to E-filing@registry.gov.bz
Bail applications will be heard remotely. All queries are to be forwarded to info@belizejudiciary.org.
We will continue to look after the wellbeing of our employees and pray for a full and speedy recovery. In the meantime, we are working closely with the Ministry of Health to provide full support to our fellow employees through to full recovery.
Registrar
Belize Supreme Court
