There’s good reason for the flexibility judges are permitted in their courtrooms when it comes to facial coverings.
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However, some workers have brought concerns to NEWS 1130 about a small group which refuses to mask up in Vancouver, Surrey, and on Vancouver Island — or are allowing or even instructing others to go without a face covering during proceedings. Under the rules, judges are allowed to do this. But given many courtrooms in this province are in small, poorly ventilated rooms, it’s creating what some argue is an unsafe workplace environment.
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The court workers NEWS 1130 spoke with do not wish to speak publicly over concern about potential employment repercussions. However, lawyer Kyla Lee with Acumen Law has seen a number of examples during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve had numerous instances where I’ve been in court and I’ve been asked to remove my mask, either while I’m speaking or while I’m in the courtroom listening to evidence being heard,” Lee tells NEWS 1130. “On some occasions, I’ve protested and said — ‘I’m not going to remove it.’ My decision to keep it on has usually been based on the courtroom safety. If there aren’t barriers between me and other people, or there isn’t sufficient room in the courtroom to keep six feet apart, or not any ventilation in the courtroom, I’m not going to take off my mask.