A high-profile Adelaide lawyer has expressed concern about the ongoing impact of coronavirus on criminal trials, after a defendant admitted to experiencing flu-like symptoms in the days prior to his hearing.

Key points: A man reporting experiencing flu-like symptoms in the days before a court hearing

A man reporting experiencing flu-like symptoms in the days before a court hearing A lawyer called for police to do more to keep coronavirus out of the courts

A lawyer called for police to do more to keep coronavirus out of the courts The Police Commissioner says officers are working to manage traffic in court

The 28-year-old man faced the Adelaide Magistrates Court this week charged with drug trafficking and arson offences.

He told Magistrate Elizabeth Sheppard he had experienced flu-like symptoms over the weekend.

The court heard his co-accused was not present because she was unwell and the sickness had passed through their household.

The man said he did not notify the court of his symptoms because he did not want to get in trouble for not appearing.

Magistrate Sheppard said there were more important concerns and told the man to immediately leave the building and wait outside for further instructions.

Criminal lawyer Craig Caldicott said lawyers and the courts had discussed coronavirus in depth but South Australia Police was best placed to notify people of their responsibilities.

He said SA Police should "be doing a bit more" to notify people of social-isolation and distancing rules during the coronavirus pandemic.

"I suspect that they should be doing a bit more to inform unrepresented persons about what's going on," he said.

"If a person's arrested last Saturday night, they'll be given a bail date in about two months' time.

"Unless the client wanders off to find a lawyer, then the person's not going to know what's going on and what they can and cannot do."

He said informing people would not be time consuming or resource heavy.

"On the bail form there are important things like your bail conditions. Attached to that you could put a second sheet saying 'if you have flu-like symptoms' or 'this is what's happening' or 'seek legal advice during this period of time'."

Police working to minimise traffic flow, Commissioner says

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said he was not aware of any particular complaint about a lack of communication between officers and people being arrested.

South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said police were working to minimise court traffic. ( ABC News: Nick Harmsen )

"We are working closely with Corrections to ensure there is minimal traffic flow into the courts precinct," he said.

"We're using video conferencing to conduct bail hearings and minor matters."

SA Police also said it was providing advice to people at the time they were charged and bailed that the pandemic might alter court dates.

The Courts Administration Authority has provided online notifications about procedural changes since the implementation of coronavirus restrictions in South Australia.

Earlier, it said the Magistrates Court would continue as usual but asked parties involved in criminal and civil matters to discuss the possibility of an adjournment.

Other measures have since been implemented, including a reduction of hearings and postponement of those for people who are on bail.

Social-distancing and hygiene practices have also been enforced at all South Australian courts.

"We've all got to work together. If someone's feeling sick they shouldn't be there," Mr Caldicott said.

"No-one wants people coming to court that are unwell.

"You have to bear in mind whatever a magistrate or judge is saying, it's got to be taken in by the person.

"If they're distracted or feeling unwell they're not really hearing what's going on."