Most Tanzanian MPs to attend debates online

Tanzania's parliament resumed proceedings on Tuesday under new guidelines for its 394 members in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Some of the new measures include allowing only a maximum of 150 members in the chamber, which is based in the capital, Dodoma.

Those not in the chamber will follow the sessions electronically through their tablets and video conference facilities set up in nearby halls.

Speaker Job Ndugai told the BBC it was to ensure social distancing was observed:

We normally have around 700 people or slightly more, at one time, and that is a big number. So, we have to reduce the number of parliamentarians as much as we can, so there will be a new arrangement, but the important thing is to reduce the number of MPs who will be inside the parliament and also minimising the time MPs will be meeting in a day."

We normally have around 700 people or slightly more, at one time, and that is a big number. So, we have to reduce the number of parliamentarians as much as we can, so there will be a new arrangement, but the important thing is to reduce the number of MPs who will be inside the parliament and also minimising the time MPs will be meeting in a day."

Most MPs who spoke to the BBC seemed happy with the arrangements, including Ally Saleh, a member of parliament from Zanzibar:

"We must adhere to the changes that have been recommended by the parliament, because this is a clear indication that we are looking for safer ways to fulfil our constitutional rights but in safe way.”

"We must adhere to the changes that have been recommended by the parliament, because this is a clear indication that we are looking for safer ways to fulfil our constitutional rights but in safe way.”

Earlier, the health ministry announced the country's first death from Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by coronavirus. There are currently 17 patients being treated for coronavirus in the East African nation.