COVID-19 has largely been kept out of the courts prior to Omicron, even when it has been circulating in the community. However, the safety measures used previously are not sustainable long term. They came at the cost of postponing many hearings, particularly jury trials, and restricting the number of people accessing the court. It is untenable to keep postponing hearings, particularly jury trials. This is true for those defendants in custody while awaiting trial and also for victims, families, and others involved in court proceedings. Ongoing delays can, of course, delay the exercise of justice and prolong the distress that is occasioned by proceedings. So this bill allows the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to address the COVID-19 risks in the courts.