Judicial Work Affected by COVID 19: Supreme Court, Delhi HC, Bombay HC, and other HCs takes preventive measures ILW LAW CRITIQUE Sat, Mar 14, 2020, at ,01:44 PM ‘COVID 19’ or popularly called ‘Corona Virus’ is now a real threat in India too. Originating in China Corona Virus has affected more than 114 Countries. Latest data indicates more than 118,000 cases of infection in 114 countries and 4,291 deaths. Supreme Court on Friday issued a notification directing that the functioning of the Court will be restricted to urgent matters with such number of Benches as may be found appropriate. The notification issued by Secretary-General says: “On reviewing the advisory issued by the Government of India and in view of the opinion of public health experts including medical professionals and also considering the safety and welfare of all the visitors, litigants, lawyers, court staff, security, maintenance and support staff, student interns and media professionals, the Competent Authority has been pleased to direct that the functioning of the Courts shall be restricted to urgent matters with such number of Benches as may be found appropriate. It is hereby notified that no persons except the lawyers who are going to act in the matter, i.e. either for argument or for making oral submissions or to assist along with one litigant only, shall be permitted in the courtroom. Mentioning of matters will be made before the Mentioning Officer only. Considering the importance of the safety measures for health, all concerned are requested to cooperate with the instructions of the staff on duty, in the interest of all.” Supreme Court has declared that six benches shall assemble and take up matters on March 16, 2020. Six below mentioned benches shall hold court and take up matters which shall appear in the revised cause list:- Hon'ble Arun Mishra and Hon'ble M.R. Shah, JJ Hon'ble Uday Umesh Lalit and Hon'ble Vineet Saran, JJ Hon'ble A.M. Khanwilkar and Hon'ble Dinesh Maheshwari, JJ Hon'ble Dr D.Y. Chandrachud and Hon'ble Hemant Gupta, JJ Hon'ble L. Nageswara Rao and Hon'ble S. Ravindra Bhat, JJ Hon'ble Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hon'ble Sanjiv Khanna, JJ After a meeting of Administration and General Supervision Committee of the Delhi High Court, the Delhi High Court has restricted its functioning to urgent matters from March 16. Instructions have been issued for the installation of thermal scanners at all entries of the court premises and permission for all functions/elections held in the court premises have been withdrawn until further orders. Registrar General of the Bombay High Court has notified the general public, litigants and lawyers that visiting court premises must be avoided unless it is necessary. 5-page circular lists out various symptoms, dos and don'ts to keep in my mind and illustrates ways of washing hands properly. Gujarat High Court bench of Chief Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Ashutosh Shastri on 13/03/2020 registered a suo moto Public Interest Litigation titled "Precautionary Measures in the Wake of the Pandemic of Corona Virus (COVID-19)". The suo moto action was taken "to further strengthen the hands of the Government and also to keep a check and control of the said Virus being spread further in the judicial setup of the State". The bench issued a set of precautionary measures to avoid the spread of the virus. What is COVID-19/ Corona Virus? COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhoea. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t develop any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who get COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention. Protection measures for everyone Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Many countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and several have seen outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have succeeded in slowing or stopping their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable so check regularly for the latest news. You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking some simple precautions: Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections. Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid travelling to places – especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease. Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas. Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading Follow the guidance outlined above (Protection measures for everyone) Self-isolate by staying at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache, low-grade fever (37.3 C or above) and slight runny nose, until you recover. If it is essential for you to have someone bring you supplies or to go out, e.g. to buy food, then wear a mask to avoid infecting other people. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses. If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travellers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. For More Please Visit WHO