Long and complex inquest hearings are likely to be adjourned during the coronavirus outbreak, a senior coroner has said. Coroners have been advised that no physical hearings should take place unless urgent and safe for court staff.
Those hearings that do take place are public meaning the coroner must be in court, the Chief Coroner has said. Meanwhile, new assistant coroners may be appointed to take over less complex cases.
Where a death has been caused due to COVID-19 - a naturally occurring disease - unless there is another reason to consider the death may be unnatural, the death will not be referred to the local Coroner.
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