A major change has been made to courts in regional Victoria with matters being heard online.
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A large number of cases were adjourned earlier this year amid concerns about the number of people attending court during the pandemic.
Those matters have begun to be heard online, with all attendees at regional courts told not to attend in person.
A large number of people could be seen outside the Wodonga Magistrates Court on Tuesday following the changes, which came into effect on Monday.
Media were prevented from entering the court precinct.
The coronavirus measures created a backlog of cases to be heard in areas including Wodonga and Wangaratta.
Technology has allowed lawyers, prosecutors and those charged to appear from remote locations in some cases, but the video links have at times been plagued with issues.
A committal in Wodonga last week was delayed by glitches.
Those with matters pending in the courts are being sent text messages and letters with instructions.
Chief magistrate Lisa Hannan said courts had needed to find a way for people to access justice.
"Justice has not changed - it is just the mode of delivery that is different," she said.
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"Social distancing will be with us for some time and it is still not possible for people to gather in our court buildings.
"The health and safety of our judicial officers, staff and court users remains our highest priority, and online hearings provide us with a safe way to ensure we can finalise matters in a timely manner."
Other measures had already been implemented in court, including preventing family members and others listening in on proceedings, with limits on the number of people inside the precincts.
Albury court had also implemented restrictions which have largely eased.
Regional Victorian court attendees must fill out forms online, giving the court information on how the cases will proceed, what pleas will be entered, and whether they want to appear online or have their matters finalised in their absence.
Computers, tablets and phones can be used to appear before the court.
Chief magistrate Hannan said it was important to hold the maximum number of hearings possible.
"The Online Magistrates' Court will be critical in assisting us to address the backlog of matters that have been adjourned due to coronavirus"
Anyone with a pending court matter should go to mcv.vic.gov.au for further information.
