Monsoon session: Mandatory daily antigen test for reporters, Parliament staff

Amid fresh cases of coronavirus among MPs, reporters and parliamentary staff entering Parliament complex will have to undergo mandatory antigen test on a daily basis, according to a new protocol put in place.

Members of both Houses are undergoing RT-PCR test on regular intervals on a voluntary basis, said a senior Parliament official.

A member of Parliament can undergo RT-PCR  test as many times he or she likes.

Journalists covering Monsoon session from press galleries of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha also have option to undergo RT-PCR test which is valid for 72 hours.

Since report of much reliable RT-PCR takes time, antigen test has been made mandatory on a daily basis.

Government officials accompanying ir respective ministers during bill discussions also have to show a negative report of RT-PCR test taken within last 72 hours of ir visit to complex.

Union ministers Nitin Gadkari and Prahlad Patel have tested positive for COVID-19. Both had attended ongoing session which began on September 14.

Several MPs had tested positive for COVID-19 around time session began and y were advised t to attend proceedings.

Im credits: PTI