The Parliament of Zimbabwe revealed on Monday its suspension of business after two of its Members were confirmed positive for COVID-19. This was according to a notice signed by the Cleck of Parliament, Chokuda. Members exposed were part of a team that had been on field visits around the country.
“A driver from one of our service providers and a journalist who were part of the team also tested positive,” read the notice.
“Everyone who was part of that team is now in self-quarantine in line with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare guidelines.”
Business suspended by the parliament includes sittings, workshops, public hearings and site visits.
“Consequently, tomorrow’s sitting for the National Assembly will be done with very limited numbers for the sole purpose of adjourning to a future date,” Chokuda says.
“This will allow for the deep-cleaning and disinfection of the Parliament Building and contact tracing and testing of those who came into contact with the affected Members of Parliament.” he continued.
Official statistics on COVID-19 show that 2,512 have been confirmed in Zimbabwe with 34 deaths recorded. Over 16 million cases have been reported worldwide and 652,243 deaths attributed to the pandemic.
Critics have raised fears of Zimbabwe’s readiness in combating COVID-19, with health workers periodically going on industrial action.