City of Saskatoon temporarily closing bylaw court as COVID-19 precaution

The City of Saskatoon is temporarily closing its bylaw court,according to a news release sent by the city on Friday.

It's in response to the increased cases of COVID-19 in the province, along withguidance from Dr. Saqib Shahab, the province's chief medical health officer.

All city bylaw matters for the court are being temporarily suspended from Dec. 14 until Jan. 15.

Defendants don't need to do anything at this time, the release says, and no convictions will happen while the bylaw court is closed.

The city said it will share more information about rescheduled dates for matters currently before the court.

Updates are going to be provided on the city's website and the Saskatoon police website.

Provincial courts across Saskatchewan are alsosuspending majority of operations from Dec. 14 until at least Jan. 16 because of concerns over COVID-19.

All criminal trials and preliminary hearings that were scheduled during that periodwill not proceed on the days originally set. Thematters will instead be spoken toby telephone.

All lawyers, including prosecutors, are to appear by telephone. Up until now, prosecutors have handled matters in docket court with their counterparts on the phone.

Accused people who are not in custody will be expected to provide deputy sheriffs with phone numbers so they can call for their appearance. If they do not answer their phonea warrant will be issued for their arrest, the letter said.