Manchester Crown Court closed this morning for deep cleaning following a suspected outbreak of Covid-19, it has been reported.

According to regional news reports, Manchester Crown Court, on Crown Square in Spinningfields, was closed until 14.15 this afternoon while it was disinfected. 

A HMCTS spokesperson said: 'The court has reopened following a precautionary deep clean after a member of staff tested positive for Covid-19.'

Some 62 Crown courts have now resumed jury trials. Last month, the Ministry of Justice also announced 10 so-called ‘Nightingale Courts’ which are hoped will ease the pressure on the justice system.

In March, almost half of all courts were closed and jury trials paused to minimise social interaction between court users at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.