Only two MPs have tested positive of COVID 19

One of the two Members of Parliament who tested positive for Coronavirus has been discharged and is in self isolation after testing negative following treatment.

Speaker Justin Muturi says the other MP is in a stable condition in the general ward care and is responding well to treatment.

In a communication to the House, Muturi says the two are the only positive cases reported in Parliament as at 30th June 2020.

“There have media reports of alleged cases of COVID-19 in Parliament. As you all know, Members of Parliament, just like any other citizens are susceptible to the disease. From the daily briefing from the Ministry of Health, it is obvious that the cases are rising in the country and no one is immune, when exposed to the virus, not even Members of Parliament, who also live among the community,” He said.

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Muturi said Parliament has put in place necessary measures to curb the spread of the virus but cautioned the media from sensationalizing the cases in Parliament as though these cases were any different from the rest of the cases in the country.

“I have deliberately given this information to reassure the public and dissuade the ongoing speculation whilst the need for information is critical to the public, the media should in the first instance note that the medical details of individuals, including Members of Parliament, are confidential and ought to be treated as such,” Muturi said.

Going forward, the Speaker said Parliament will endeavour to ensure that all the users are safe-guarded from the disease through the continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

“Any information required on this matter will be provided in accordance with the existing guideline relating to such matters,” He said.

Muturi further urged Members of Parliament or staff who may have come into contact with a COVID-19 case or suspected case, to undertake voluntary testing as responsible citizens.

He said, depending on the results, one is advised to self-isolate and notify the Speaker’s office immediately.

The Ministry of Health is currently carrying out voluntary testing in Parliament and has set up two centers for that purpose.

The Speaker implored MPs to encourage their staff to undergo the voluntary test.

He said Parliamentary Committees are dissuaded from holding physical meetings and instead encouraged to have virtual meetings as practicable as possible.