Supreme Court services hit by the Covid-19 pandemic are getting back to normal, officials said today.

Office hours were cut in January after the court system suffered “extreme staff shortages”.

But a court circular revealed that the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal registries will resume their usual hours — from 8.30am to 4.30pm — from today.

The cashier desk at Magistrate Court will also be open regular hours — between 9am and 4.30pm.

But the circular, issued on Friday, added that a maximum of ten people would allowed into the court building to make payments at one time.

Masks must also be worn while in the court building.

Other services which had been suspended — including criminal record checks, the swearing of affidavits and certification of copies — will also restart.

Criminal cases will be conducted in person, but anyone with Covid-19 symptoms should not attend hearings — with penalties for those who ignore the advice.

The circular said: “If you attend court knowing that you are required to be in quarantine, or are experiencing symptoms related to the Covid-19 virus, then this may be considered to be a contempt of court, for which you may be penalised.”

Searches of Supreme Court cause books will continue to be by appointment between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

The circular said that the situation would be monitored and the public told of any changes that may be made.