McKinney Bancroft & Hughes/COVID 19 Orders & Updates

COVID 19 Orders & Updates

Supporting Clients through the Covid-19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 Pandemic has had a global effect on individuals, businesses and countries around the world. It has altered the way we live and the way we work. The law is no exception. It is still necessary for many legal issues to be resolved. Persons in need of access to the legal system must not be denied such access. We remain able and available to assist our clients and support them fully with their legal matters; we will ensure that they continue to receive the justice and expert advice which they deserve and for which our Firm has a reputation of providing.

What has changed?

The need to socially and physically distance has impacted how people can meet in person. Meetings and court hearings are likely to be held virtually and the signing of certain documentation may be required to be accomplished via electronic format. Legal issues tend to be complex and meeting in person is generally preferred for hearings and meetings, especially where there are multiple parties. Where that is not possible, the use of virtual court hearings means that urgent hearings and applications can proceed (see “Litigation in the Covid-19 Era”). There is no certainty when the pandemic will end and for this reason it is necessary for the judicial system to adapt and continue with necessary hearings and meetings. As the courts continue to allow documentation to be filed and litigious actions to be commenced, clients should not delay in consulting with us about initiating or continuing legal proceedings. However, it is important to bear in mind that some hearings are likely to be delayed and those that were already postponed will be reassigned new dates.

How we can support our clients during the Covid-19 Pandemic?

Our firm will ensure that clients are kept updated in relation to the various Emergency Orders, especially those that are specific to their industry, and our attorneys will explain the effects of the various Orders. We remain available to assist clients in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, the following:

Despite the pandemic, we are still working hard to ensure that we are providing the service that you have grown to expect and deserve. Some services may be delayed due to government or private sector reductions in service, but we will ensure that everything is accomplished as efficiently and quickly as possible in the circumstances.
We continue to advise clients on employment issues during the pandemic including employee terminations, redundancy and temporary layoffs etc.
Our attorneys are available to advise clients on the impact of the pandemic and the Emergency Orders and Regulations in relation to their business, commercial transactions, lease agreements or civil or commercial disputes.
We continue to assist clients with transactions which are being completed and require different methods of signing, such as e-signatures (see “Electronic Signing of Documents during Covid-19”).
Even during lockdown measures, and although our attorneys are working remotely, we are working equally as hard for our clients as before. Our attorneys are accessible via mobile phone, text, email and Zoom videoconferencing.
Our litigation experts continue to assist with existing Court actions or commencing new ones as well as dealing with urgent Court applications, (e.g injunctions in relation to domestic violence, a child protection order or for the arrest of a ship.) We can also advise clients on the process of virtual hearings including those who will be called as witnesses and undergo cross-examination.
Our firm continues to advise trustees on their role during the pandemic and what they need to be considering to ensure that they are protecting in the best possible manner both the business as well as themselves (see “Trustee Duties and Practical Considerations during Covid-19”)

For further information on how we may assist with your legal needs, please complete our online contact form, email us on Nassau@mbhbahamas.com or call us on (242) 322-4195 and we will provide the assistance required in your particular case.

HEALTH SERVICES (COVID 19) RULES

Statement on the Further Relaxation of the Health Services COVID-19 Rules.
Health Services (COVID 19) (Prevention and Management of Community Spread) (Amendment) (No. 6) Rules, 2022;
Health Services (COVID 19) (Prevention and Management of Community Spread) (Amendment) (No. 4) Rules, 2022;
Health Services (COVID 19) (Prevention and Management of Community Spread) (Amendment) Rules, 2021;
Health Services (COVID 19) (General) Rules, 2021;

EMERGENCY ORDERS COVID 19