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{
    "id": 1028266,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1028266/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 302,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. (Prof.) Kamar",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 33,
        "legal_name": "Margaret Jepkoech Kamar",
        "slug": "margaret-kamar"
    },
    "content": "Madam Temporary Speaker, the Senate Business Committee, at its Sitting held on Monday, 18th May, 2020, considered a paper on the use of online meeting platforms for the Senate plenary and committee sittings and resolved that the Procedure and Rules Committee reviews and amends the Senate Standing Orders to actualize virtual meetings and other alternative arrangements for sittings during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the Procedure and Rules Committee was mandated to table proposals for amendment of the Standing Orders to provide for the following- (a) online, virtual or remote meetings for Plenary and Committee sittings during the COVID-19 pandemic period and any other time when the Senators are not able to physically meet due to a national emergency or catastrophe; (b) mechanisms to determine attendance and quorum for the Plenary and committee sittings and prescribe the manner of voting during such meetings; (c) Plenary and committee sittings to be recorded and documented in the HANSARD and posted in the Parliament website for access by the public; (d) Issues of privileges and immunity of Senators during a virtual sitting vis-à- vis the location of Parliament and Parliamentary precincts; (e) e-etiquette including dress code and order in virtual meetings; (f) Mechanisms for access and admission of witnesses and stakeholders into the online/virtual/remote committee meetings; and (g) Mechanisms for access and admission of the media into the online/virtual/remote plenary and committee sittings. Madam Temporary Speaker, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Most people infected with COVID- 19 will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands with soap and water or rub frequently using an alcohol-based sanitizer; maintain social distance, especially from anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms; avoid touching your face; practice respiratory hygiene by coughing and sneezing into a tissue or a flexed elbow; and, stay at home. The first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Kenya on 13th March, 2020 by the Ministry of Health. The Government immediately put in place prudent and necessary measures to curb the spread of the disease forcing organizations, including Parliament to re-evaluate the manner in which it carries out its operations."
}