BANGKOK (NNT) - Additional measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 are being taken in parliament, after a coronavirus case was reported in the building. Work guidelines have been adjusted to minimize contact, with meetings taking place online. Not all legislators have been vaccinated, as the government’s vaccination program does not provide them with such special privileges.

 

Today (Apr 19) in the Senate chamber of Parliament in Bangkok, more stringent measures have been put in place to screen people entering leaving the premises, after a waiter in the building tested positive for COVID-19 on April 17. The Secretariat of the Senate had ordered people who are at risk to be tested and quarantined for 14 days. Fingerprint authentication was temporarily disabled and officials are required to sign their names instead. They are to come to office on alternate days until May 30.

 

Senate Speaker, Pornpetch Wichitcholchai, called a Senate whip meeting to adjust work guidelines during the COVID-19 situation. The meeting revised projects that require officials to contact local people and national reform plans. Committee meetings are to be held online. The Senate is coordinating with relevant agencies to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to Senators and related personnel. They must be in line with the government’s vaccination program for the public and no special privileges will be given.

 

President of the National Assembly, Chuan Leekpai, insisted on stringent screening measures and has permitted a number of civil servants to work from home. Vaccines have not been administered to all Members of Parliament (MPs) because they are for medical workers, who are at higher risk of being infected with COVID-19. The vaccines will later be given to other risk groups.

 

The President of the National Assembly said the COVID-19 outbreak will not affect the deliberation of important laws, particularly the budget bill for the 2022 fiscal year. Legislators have yet to decide on the date for consideration of the budget bill. Funds for less urgent expenses will be allocated to units responsible for addressing COVID-19 issues, without having to pass parliamentary committees.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2021-04-19

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

I thought they were all in quarantine already from a few ministers being infected with Covid and the potential spread.  I guess they will be doing the rapid Covid strip test as well, with Asymptomatic folks that show no symptoms and can infect others being an issue now.  Will they be looking also for the red eyes, the rash and asking if they feel fatigued.  Will they have to fill out the questionnaire like one has to do when they go to the doctors office or dental office. Plus I thought they were all supposed to be working from home, did someone not get  the message.

7 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

more stringent measures have been put in place to screen people entering leaving the premises

that group, thinking they are privileged, need being house quarantined and watched

April 20, 2021 where would I find most recent information for Chiang mai? I've spent an hour trying to find it. Thanks.

When parasites need to be protected from a virus, it creates a very interesting scenario.

It is priority number one to keep MPs safe, so they can continue to provide us with laws they themselves break.

Government employee: "They found a case of Covid here yesterday"

 

Health Minister: "Good, I'm sick of Fanta"