It’s compulsory to test for coronavirus – Speaker Oquaye cautions

The Speaker of Parliament, Reverend Professor Aaron Michael Oquaye, on Tuesday said it is mandatory for all Members of Parliament (MPs), journalists covering activities of the House, and staff to test for the COVID-19.

The test was done in the House last week but it is on record that some MPs, journalists and staff have still not done it, a situation that has necessitated a recall of the medical team for such persons to be tested.

On Tuesday, when the House sat, Speaker Oquaye said it was mandatory to go for the test.

“It’s mandatory for every member of Parliament, every staff of Parliament to test for COVID-19. The press corps must also submit themselves to the test. It is imperative that we take this matter very seriously,” he said.

“In this connection, on Thursday and Friday, the teams have been recalled to Parliament to test MPs, staff, media…”

“The decision is that, in our collective interest, it is mandatory, don’t wait till we get to the stage of applying sanctions,” the Speaker cautioned.

He announced that elaborate steps were being taken to ensure the observation of all appropriate protocols in the light of results.

Speaker Oquaye assured the MPs, staff and all who would undergo the test that absolute confidentiality and professionalism would be applied in handling the results.