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{
    "id": 998666,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/998666/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 15,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Lusaka",
    "speaker_title": "The Speaker",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "These guidelines were developed after consultations with, and on the advice of the Ministry of Health, who had inspected the parliamentary precincts and provided us with a report on the state of the parliamentary precincts and conditions to be met to facilitate Plenary and Committee sittings. Hon. Senators, in the Communication issued on 31st March, 2020, I indicated that the Chamber had been reconfigured to sit a maximum of 28 Senators only. Accordingly, the Senate Majority Leader and the Senate Minority Leader were requested to consult and designate the 28 Senators, who were to attend the Senate Plenary sittings. The Serjeant- at-Arms was accordingly directed to ensure that only the 28 designated Senators attend Plenary sittings. Following concerns raised by a number of Senators on the need for all Senators to participate in Plenary sittings and a resolution by the Senate Business Committee (SBC) on 20th May, 2020, arrangements were made in light of the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country, and in line with the health and social distancing protocols contained in the guidelines issued on 31st March, 2020, to ensure that all Senators have an opportunity to access the Chamber and participate in the Senate Plenary, while within the precincts of the Main Parliament buildings. The New Wing Lounge of the Parliament buildings was designated as part of the Senate Chamber to accommodate the other Senators who missed seats in the main Chamber. With the exception of the Deputy Speaker, the Senate Majority and Senate Minority Leadership, and Senators with disabilities, as well as Senators with business on the Order Paper for the day, who were to take seats in the Senate Chamber, any extra seats in the Senate Chamber are now occupied on a first come, first sit basis. Hon. Senators, for the avoidance of doubt, I direct and reiterate that the health and social distancing protocols as contained in the guidelines issued on 31st March, 2020, apply in both the Senate Chamber and the New Wing Lounge of the Parliament buildings for all Plenary sittings. Senators and parliamentary officers are required to strictly adhere to those guidelines, which were purposely developed to contain the spread of COVID-19. I thank you."
}