Do I go to court if I have COVID?

The answer may seem obvious, but people ask this quite a lot.

No.

Absolutely not.

You should not come to court if you have tested positive for COVID.

But you need to get a confirmation.

Why?

So the court can be sure you’re not making it up of course.

Yes, some people really do that.

You will need to get a confirmation.

Why?

So the court can be sure you’re not making it up of course.

Yes, some people really do that.

Some people have the horrible “luck” of coming into repeated contact with people who have tested positive.

These are people usually very familiar with court.

They try to peddle this as an excuse not to turn up.

Inevitably they’re not believed and warrants are issued for their arrests.

Yes I know, why do bad things keep happening to good people?

It’s important to understand that these sorts of people are a minority.

Most excuses are genuine.

But proof of some sort is required.

The HSE has an excellent system of providing text message alerts confirming if you have tested positive for COVID, or if a close contact has.

This message can be forwarded to your solicitor by email, which they can print and bring to court on your behalf.

This will almost certainly be accepted by the courts and your case will usually be adjourned for a number of weeks until you are healthy enough to attend.

What if you can’t get a confirmation message?

You should contact your lawyer and let them know what has happened so that they can at least tell the court that they have spoken to you.

But under no circumstances should you attempt to come to court if you have tested positive.

And by the way, bring a mask.

Otherwise you will not be allowed in.