Weekly RT-PCR test mandatory for Lok Sabha staff during Monsoon Session

As the monsoon session of parliament is underway, the Welfare branch of the Lok Sabha Secretariat has issued a circular as per which the officers and the staff of the Lok Sabha and other allied agencies working in the Parliament complex will have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests on a weekly basis irrespective of their vaccination status.

New Delhi:In view of the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Welfare branch of the Lok Sabha Secretariat has issued detailed guidelines for their personal staff and to follow the necessary Covid protocols during the period. As per a circular issued by the branch, the officers and the staff of the Lok Sabha and other allied agencies working in the Parliament complex will have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests on a weekly basis irrespective of their vaccination status, according to a new protocol put in place. Two counters for the purpose have been set up at committee rooms E, PHA, and the auditorium, first floor.

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"The sixth session of the 17th Lok Sabha commenced on July 19. Subject to exigencies of government business, the session is likely to conclude on August 13," a Lok Sabha release stated. A press communique from the Rajya Sabha stated that President Ram Nath Kovind has summoned the House to meet on July 19 and the session will continue till August 13. This will be Parliament's first session since the formation of the new governments in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.

Last year, the Monsoon Session began in September and the Winter Session was not held due to the COVID-19 situation.