All MLAs who would attend the Monsoon Session of the State Assembly beginning on September 29, their Personal Security Officers (PSOs) and drivers would undergo RT PCR tests for Covid-19, said Health and Family Welfare ACS PK Mohapatra on Wednesday.
On the advice of Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro, Mohapatra has also directed the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Odisha State Medical Corporation Ltd (OSMCL) and the Capital Hospital Director to take all precautionary measures at their levels against the Covid-19 in the Assembly premised during the upcoming session
The MLAs and their PSOs and drivers would undergo RT-PCR tests from 7.30 am to 9.30 am on September 27 and 28 in the Assembly premises by a team of doctors.
They would undergo the test again on October 4. If any member feels uncomfortable during the session, they may go for Antigen test by the doctors at the above said place.
All officers and staff of the OLA Secretariat and staffs of offices of the Chief Minister, Ministers, Leader of Opposition and Chief Whips from 7.30 am to 9.30 am from September 26 to 28 in the Assembly premises.
MLAs and officials of the Legislative, Question, Reporting Branches and other House-related staff, who are required to go inside the Assembly hall, would be provided with face-shield, mask, hand gloves and sanitisers by the Health Department daily before commencement of each sitting.
The Assembly Secretariat would submit the list of members and staff to the Health Department and the BMC well in advance.While BMC would provide all infrastructural facilities for tests inside the OLA premises. the OSMCL would provide face-shields, masks, hand gloves and sanitizers to the members.
The Capital Hospital Director has been directed to deploy a team of doctors and medical staff along with sufficient testing kits at the OLA premises for the testing. A team of doctors will also remain present during the entire session.