Doctor lists steps to prevent more Covid-19 infections in Parliament
After nine MPs came down with Covid-19, Dr Chalermchai Boonyaleephan, vice-chair of the Senate’s Public Health Commission, said in a Blockdit post that the Parliament should immediately employ preventive measures.
Citing an internal letter issued on Saturday night, a source said nine MPs – eight from Bhumjaithai and one from Palang Pracharath – had tested positive for Covid-19.
The Parliament’s secretary-general has also informed Parliament President Chuan Leekpai of the situation so measures can be put in place before the House convenes on February 2 to 4.
In his post, Chalermchai listed steps that can be taken immediately, such as:
• Masks should be kept on all the time, even when speaking at the podium.
• Members should avoid dining together in the cafeteria because despite tables having partitions, the room is still airconditioned. MPs should instead have their lunch in the office.
• ATK tests should be mandatory for everyone entering the Parliament building.
• Everybody in Parliament, including staff members, should get a booster three months after their second jab.
• The Parliament should keep the number of staffers on duty as low as possible.
• Other meetings should be held online.
“MPs and senators have a high risk of contracting and spreading the virus because they have to meet many guests and visit communities to listen to people’s problems,” Chalermchai said. “They should be especially careful and strictly follow Covid-19 preventive measures for their own safety and that of people around them.”