Bermuda’s court system reopens on a partial basis on Monday but non-urgent cases or court business will continue to be adjourned.

Supreme Court Registrar Alexandra Wheatley said the Magistrates’ Court cashier’s desk will reopen at 9.30am, but with reduced hours and safety precautions.

Cashiers at the Dame Lois Brown-Evans building will open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

Residents were urged to make payments through online banking or by credit card on the phone whenever possible.

Ms Wheatley added: “If your case is in relation to a civil matter or a criminal matter — only if there is no warrant attached — you may call 295-5151 extension 1215 to make your payment via debit or credit card.”

Anyone who enters a court building will be required to wear a mask or other “appropriate covering” and sanitise their hands.

Additionally, anyone who appears to show signs of illness, such as coughing, will not be allowed in and only ten people will be permitted to enter the building at a time to make payments.

They were also advised to stay at least six feet apart.

People should also bring their own pen to sign documents.

Supreme Court hearings held on Monday and on May 15 that involves witnesses or a jury will be adjourned.

Anyone involved with these hearings is urged to contact the Court immediately to explain why a case was urgent and should be heard. A decision to go ahead or adjourn the matter will be made by the presiding judge.

At this point in time, most of the cases due to be heard in Magistrates’ Court during the next two weeks are likely to be adjourned.

Ms Wheatley stated: “Where parties have appeared before the courts during the period between April 6 and May 1 and have been given dates to reappear before the court, those parties must appear as directed by the magistrate.

“Should any other dates be set by way of summons or by a magistrate during the period between April 6 and May 1, parties must appear.”

Plea Court will start at 11am to deal with urgent cases, but the Magistrates’ Court will remain closed for filings until May 18.

The Supreme Court Registries will remain closed until at least May 18, and only urgent searches of the cause books will be allowed.

Services like the swearing of affidavits, certifying copies and criminal records checks are suspended until at least May 15.

Those services “will continue to be limited and revisited every two weeks” to protect court staff.