3 Test Positive For Covid-19 At Parliament

Two members of staff and a visitor to the National Assembly have tested positive for Covid-19, parliamentary clerk Cecilia Nsenduluka Mbewe has confirmed. 

Ms Mbewe wrote to MPs on Tuesday to inform them that the three positive test results had been recorded at the National Assembly clinic.

“Please note that the two members of staff have been quarantined and all those who were in contact with them have been identified and have been subjected to Covid-19 tests in accordance with the health regulations,” the letter read. 

The test results have prompted calls for a total quarantine to be imposed in parliament, with all MPs sent home.

Ms Mbewe indicated that alternative measures were being taken to minimise the spread of coronavirus, including social distancing, mandatory facemarks and frequent hand-washing.  

She reminded MPs to strictly adhere to these public health guidelines “as we embrace this new normal”. 

“Further, as a matter of great importance, you are requested to not only report any suspected cases, but also to take advantage of the testing facility at the National Assembly Clinic, even if you have no COVID-19 symptoms,” Mbewe advised. 

However, the outbreak has prompted others working in the National Assembly to question why parliament was reopened at all.

One staff-member in Mbewe’s office intimated that the reopening was rushed solely for the government to pass constitutional amendment bill 10. 

“You remember You remember what I told you last time that the desperation among these people is too huge, to pass Bill 10? Their desperation is now going to kill MPs and even us as staff of the National Assembly,” the anonymous staffer told the Mast newspaper.

Parliament officially reopened for debate on 16th June, however the visitors’ gallery remains closed as a precaution against the coronavirus. 

The number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Zambia stands at 1,568 as of Wednesday morning, with 22 deaths.