Speaker wants all MLAs tested before session

PANAJI: With the monsoon session of the Goa legislative assembly slated to start from July 27, speaker Rajesh Patenkar has appealed to all MLAs to get themselves tested for Covid-19.
“It is better to get tested,” Patnekar said. “It is my desire. I request all the MLAs to voluntarily go and get themselves tested.”
The guidance comes after a BJP legislator from South Goa contracted the virus along with his family members.
The MLA has been shifted to the dedicated treatment facility for Covid-19 patients at Margao.
Goa Forward Party MLA Vijai Sardesai has questioned the state’s preparations for the assembly session, suggesting that the virus could be transmitted within the House.
“Many MLAs have to run to every spot where there is trouble or where the coronavirus has struck, at least this is the expectation of the people. It could happen that by chance they too could get infected,” Patenkar said, justifying his appeal.
The legislature secretariat has also advised all MLAs not to conduct any meetings or briefings in the run-up to the assembly session.
Legislature secretary Namrata Ulman said that adoption of reports by the various legislature committees should be done by circulation only.
The legislative assembly note restricting meetings and gatherings was issued on June 30.
“Due to the prevailing situation in the country, and in Goa, it is advised to all members that it would be prudent not to have any meetings, briefings and other activities which result in gathering in an enclosed space,” Ulman said in the note.
Ulman also said appropriate SOPs will be formulated for the monsoon session based on discussions with all stakeholders.