The New Zealand Law Society | Te Kāhui Ture o Aotearoa is aware of the potential problems which could arise for legal workplaces, lawyers and their clients, and in the wider justice system, because of COVID-19.

The Law Society is closely following all official guidelines and advice that continues to be provided by the Ministry of Health.

The World Health Organisation has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.

The ministry advises New Zealand has five confirmed cases based on positive test results and two probable cases of COVID-19.

“The ministry’s advice is that a widespread outbreak is unlikely and there are processes in place for people visiting New Zealand from overseas and some of these people have been asked to self-isolate. We applaud and support the vigilance of the Ministry of Health,” says Law Society Chief Executive Helen Morgan-Banda.

"The ministry says washing your hands thoroughly is one of the best ways to help prevent the spread of diseases such as COVID-19. But while hand washing is something we all do, most of us are not doing it effectively. This how to video that featured on Radio New Zealand is an excellent resource."

Another key concern with relation to COVID-19 is the effect on businesses and the legal profession employs many people who are directly involved one on one with clients as barristers and solicitors or to larger business groups as legal advisors.

The Law Society is closely following the advice provided by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and would encourage the legal profession to also do this.

“We are all in this together in that COVID -19 is affecting how all of us carry out our daily work. We are closely following the practical workplace advice that is coming from Government agencies,” says Law Society Chief Executive, Helen Morgan-Banda.