High-risk Parliament staff to be tested for COVID-19
Published:Wednesday | October 7, 2020 | 12:19 AM
Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton said that two members of the parliamentary staff who were considered to be at high risk of exposure to COVID-19 will undergo tests and will be quarantined.
In a statement to Parliament on Tuesday, Tufton said that the two employees who did not adhere to the rule of wearing face masks had been exposed to another member of staff who tested positive for the virus.
The Gleaner reported on Tuesday that the marshal to the Houses of Parliament, Captain Wayne Blake, was informed by the Kingston and St Andrew Health Department that he had contracted the virus. He visited a health facility last Thursday for an appointment but later asked to be tested after sinusitis issues.
Blake was advised of the positive test on Sunday.
Last Tuesday, the marshal distributed new parliamentary plates for vehicles on September 29 to dozens of parliamentarians, including Cabinet ministers, members of the executive, government backbenchers, and the Opposition.
Tufton told his parliamentary colleagues that the Kingston and St Andrew Health Department carried out an assessment in terms of the level of exposure of other workers.
He said that extra precautions were taken in determining the interventions based on the added risk of disruption to the nation’s business.
“Other persons were considered to be at high risk of exposure because of not adhering to the rule of physical distancing. These persons are to be tested and are allowed to carry out their duties, ensuring they adhere to all precautions and to stay home if they develop symptoms,” the minister told Parliament.
Tufton noted that based on investigations, all other persons had observed the infection prevention and control measures. He said that routine environment cleaning was being done.
Opposition Spokesperson on Health Dr Morais Guy had on Monday called for all 63 legislators in the House of Representatives to undergo COVID-19 testing.