McDonnell Schroder is focused on responding to the impacts that COVID-19 is having on all of our clients. We have all had to make adjustments during isolation but there are some helpful guidelines recently brought in by the government to ensure we all keep safe.
For court matters, many hearings are now being held without the need for attending, where possible. We have had hearings take place via Skype, Zoom and by teleconference, with successful results. There are new rules in place where documents like affidavits and statutory declarations can now be witnessed by video-conferencing, by a solicitor or Justice of the Peace. For workers compensation claims, medical appointments can take place via telehealth conferencing.
Importantly, legislation has just passed to help some workers who have contracted COVID-19 through their work, such as nurses, emergency workers and the cleaning industry. This will protect our essential workers, who have continued working outside of the isolation protocols.
These changes will continue to protect us all while we begin our Stage 1 return from isolation. As we are small and local, our office has been able to remain open throughout the crisis using strict social distancing. We intend to adapt and respond to the impacts of COVID-19 to ensure our clients are protected. We are happy to know that our common-sense approach means that we have been able to continue to help people in our community during this time.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us.
