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{
    "id": 1007165,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1007165/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 139,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "that the cases are rising in the country and no one is immune, when exposed to the virus, not even Members of Parliament, who also live among the community. Having said that, I wish to note that, as of today, 30th June 2020, far from the speculations reported in the media and elsewhere, information available to the Office of Speaker indicate that we have two cases of the virus that have been reported among Members of Parliament. One of the affected Member has been attended to and has since been discharged from hospital after testing negative following treatment. The Member is currently in self-isolation. The other case has also been attended to and the Member is now in stable condition in the general ward care. I have deliberately given this information to reassure the public and dissuade the ongoing speculation. Hon. Members, whilst the need for information is critical to the public, the media should in the first instance note that the medical details of individuals, including Members of Parliament, are confidential and ought to be treated as such. Additionally, the media should desist from sensationalising the cases in Parliament as though these cases were any different from the rest of the cases in the country. Going forward, we will endevour to ensure that Parliament and all the users are safe-guarded from the disease through our continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health. Any information required on this matter will be provided in accordance with the existing guideline relating to such matters. In conclusion, I wish to restate as follows: 1. If a Member of Parliament or staff has come in contact with a COVID-19 case or suspected case, they are advised to undertake the voluntary testing as responsible citizens. Depending on the results, one is advised to self-isolate and notify the Speaker’s Office immediately. 2. The Ministry of Health is currently carrying out voluntary testing in Parliament. They have set up two centers. One at the Main Parliament Building on the Senate side and the other one on the Main Gate on the National Assembly side. Members of Parliament and staff are encouraged to undertake the voluntary tests. 3. Hon. Members of Parliament are reminded to also encourage their staff including drivers and security officers to undertake the tests and more importantly, to wear face masks whenever in public. Finally, all committees are dissuaded from holding physical meetings and instead encouraged to have virtual meetings as practicable as possible. In this regard and pursuant to my earlier guidelines, no physical meetings are to be held without complying with the Ministry of Health guidelines and my direct authority. Thank you, Hon. Members."
}