MoJ confirms Sheffield Crown Court was closed after a Covid-19 Test and Trace warning

Proceedings at the building on West Bar, on Monday, August 10, were delayed over concerns about a possible Covid-19 trace as barristers, legal staff and those connected with cases gathered outside the building.

An HMCTS spokesman said: “Sheffield Crown Court was closed for a precautionary deep clean after a staff member was contacted by NHS Test and Trace.

"The staff member is not showing any symptoms and has not tested positive for Covid-19.”

The building was found closed between 9am and 9.30am as over 100 people awaited updates before a court representative announced the building would reopen by 1.30pm.

One report indicated there may have been evidence of a Covid-19 trace from an externally-diagnosed case linked to an individual at the court.

A source said a Covid-19 trace had been linked to the building and a thorough cleaning and disinfecting process was carried out.

NHS Test and Trace concerns those who have been in contact with someone who has coronavirus.

The NHS states such individuals are required to stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days from the day they were last in contact with the diagnosed person because it can take up to 14 days for symptoms to appear.

In such cases, those affected should not leave their home for any reason and if they need food or medicine, they should order it online or by phone, or ask friends and family to deliver anything they need.