Steps to prevent spreading of COVID-19 discussed in Rajya Sabha

 Rajya Sabha on Monday discussed the preventive steps to be taken to contain the deadly Coronavirus outbreak including the adjournment of the current session of the Parliament. The chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu clarified that adjournment of the session can happened as of now.

Speaking on this issue, the All India Trinamool Congress Member Derek O'Brien said that all precautionary measures like washing hands for 20 seconds and precautions while coughing and sneezing, must be followed by everyone.

He further pointed out that it the government has advised that large gathering must be avoided. He also asked about the presence of a large numbers of Members of in the Houses along with parliamentary support staffs.

This large presence of the people present at a given time in the Parliament has a fair chance of getting infected, he added.

Raising this issue during Zero Hour, the AIADMK Member S.R. Balasubramoniyan wanted to know from the government whether they are adjourning the session from tomorrow or a day after owing to the fact that it is suggested that people should avoid gatherings.

However, only two or three members supported the Balasubramoniyan's suggestion.

The Samajwadi Party leader Gopal Yadav suggested for thermal screening facilities at all gates of the Parliament as the Members do come to Upper House from all states in the country.

In the meantime, BJD leader Sasmit Patra urged the need to increase the testing facilities as these facilities are only available at 51 centres. He also suggested that sensitisation of all members.

He also urged the government to provide sanitisation measures at ATM booths and that should be cleaned and fumigated time to time.

The Chairman said that all members and supports staffs should take precautionary steps. He also said that a lot of rumour are being spread, for which government and Indian Council of Medical Research should issue clarifications.

Speaking on this issue, BJP member Vikas Mahatme said that there have been rounds of rumours like consumption of chicken spreads the virus, must be tackled. IANS