Covid Scare in Parliament: Ahead of Budget Session, 400 Staff Test Positive, Most Cases Asymptomatic

In random testing in parliament on January 6 and 7, over 400 staff members have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Most cases were asymptomatic, sources said.

A source told CNN-News18, “We were asked to do random testing, given cases were on the rise in the national capital. The ratio of people testing positive is 1:1 and most positive cases did not have any symptoms.”

More such random testing will be encouraged for those coming to parliament to ensure that steps are taken to control the infection.

Both Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu had earlier requested and ensured that all staff workers were vaccinated with two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. In fact, records also show that almost all members of parliament except for those with a medical condition were vaccinated with two doses.

In the next three weeks or so, the budget session of parliament will be underway and the union budget is likely to be presented on February 1.

Stricter implementation of Covid-19 protocols is likely to continue with the parliament refusing entry to visitors and people on casual passes. According to a central government directive, most people have been encouraged to work from home.

Over the past year or so, since the first Covid-19 wave, parliament has followed strict guidelines even during sessions by restricting entry of people, including staff of MP and minister, into the parliament building. It has also restricted the entry of the media for the session, while making random testing mandatory for everyone. Anyone from the media must be carry Covid-19 vaccination certificate.

Since Delhi is still showing a massive surge in coronavirus cases, it is likely that all restrictions will continue during the upcoming budget session.

India reported 1.4 lakh new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, with the active caseload at 4.8 lakh. Delhi, meanwhile, recorded 20,181 new cases taking active infections to 48,178. The daily positivity rate is at 19.6 per cent.

Rajya Sabha secretariat restricts staff attendance as Covid cases soar

With an increase in coronavirus cases in the secretariats of both houses of parliament, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat has re-imposed restrictions on the attendance of officials and staff. According to the latest directions, 50 per cent officials and staff below the rank of undersecretary/executive officer are required to work from home till the end of this month. They form about 65 per cent of total employees.

Rajya Sabha chairperson M Venkaiah Naidu has reviewed the situation with secretary general PC Modi and adviser Dr PPK Ramacharyulu and directed that necessary measures should be taken to contain the spread of the virus. Those with disabilities as well as pregnant women are exempt from attending office. All official meetings will be held virtually.

Naidu said all officials and staff of over 1,300 should be tested and recovery of the infected persons must be closely monitored and assisted in hospitalisation and treatment if needed.

Naidu also directed regular monitoring and review of the situation. According to sources, 65 in Rajya Sabha secretariat, 200 in Lok Sabha secretariat and 133 of allied services have tested positive.

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