Two members of Parliament, a journalist and a driver who were conducting field visits have tested positive for Covid-19, forcing the August House to suspend business indefinitely.
A statement issued by the Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda noted that the suspension of Parliament business will give way for the disinfection process and contact tracing of all those who were in contact with the infected people.
Chokuda said everyone who was part of that team is now in self quarantine in line with the Ministry of Health and child welfare guidelines.
“It is with heavy heart that the Parliament announced its suspension of most of its business due to the exposure of two of members of Parliament to Covid-19. As at this morning only two members of parliament had been confirmed positive. A driver from one of our service providers and a journalist who were part of the team also tested positive,” Chokuda said.
“Our thoughts prayers are with the affected and their families. The members were part of a team that had been on field visits around the country.”
Chokuda stated that the measure to suspend Parliament has been taken to safeguard the health of members of parliament, staff and the public who interact with the institution.
“Consequently, tomorrow sitting for the National Assembly will be done with very limited members for the sole purpose of a adjourning to a future date, he said.
“This will allow for the deep cleaning and disinfection of the Parliament building and contact tracing and testing of those who came into contact with the affected members of parliament. Parliament of Zimbabwe will continue to monitor the situation and members of the public will be duly advised of the date of resumption of the business of Parliament.”
To date, Zimbabwe has recorded 2512 cases 518 recoveries 34 deaths.
