TWO unvaccinated MPs continue to attend Parliament’s weekly sessions despite the country being under Yellow Health Covid-19 Alert.
The GDN has learned that Parliament second vice-chairman Ali Al Zayed and public utilities and environment affairs committee chairman Khalid Bu Onk show up without a green shield on their BeAware application.
It is also believed that there are other legislators who are yet to take the booster dose.
Speaker Fouzia Zainal told the GDN that under strict rules everyone showing up to Tuesday’s sessions including MPs, government officials, Parliament staff and media personnel needed to have a negative Covid-19 PCR test valid for 72 hours.
“The two senior unvaccinated MPs have specific health conditions that prevent them from getting vaccinated, at least that’s what has been reported to me.
“I am personally following the situation with the Health Ministry to find a suitable solution for both of them to get vaccinated.”
Parliament Acting Speaker Abdulnabi Salman announced that four MPs reported sick yesterday and were unable to attend without stating the nature of the illness.
Ms Zainal, who was busy with official business, only took the chair following prayer breaks.
The session was extended from its 3pm health deadline exceptionally to debate government-drafted amendments to the 2013 Psychiatric Health Law that would enhance services provided on a voluntary or compulsory (prisoners or those standing trial) basis by the government.
Several articles were approved in the presence of Health Minister Faeqa Al Saleh and senior ministry officials.
Debate on the remaining 60 articles will continue next week.
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