KATHMANDU, May 7: Just a day before the budget session of the federal parliament begins, sample tests of all the lawmakers of both the houses for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are being carried out on Thursday.

The lawmakers are being tested for the disease via the PCR method. For this, swab samples of the upper house – the National Assembly - are being collected from 10 am while the samples of the MPs of the House of Representatives are being collected from 11 am.

National Assembly chairperson Ganesh Timalsina undergoing COVID-19 test at federal parliament building. 

Collection of the samples is taking place at the New Baneshwar-based federal parliament premises.

According to Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, chairperson of the upper house, testing each lawmaker for the disease is mandatory as they have arrived in Kathmandu from various parts of the country. “At the same time, their presence in the house is also important as this is the time of formulation of plans and policies of the government and endorsing the annual budget,” he added.

Lawmaker Prem Suwal undergoing COVID-19 test.

All the lawmakers will go through the COVID-19 test according to the suggestions received from experts although the earlier plan was to test the lawmakers belonging to the affected districts only.

Earlier, the Ministry of Health and Population was asked to launch a testing campaign for COVID-19 along with other health tests.

Lawmaker Rajendra Mahato undergoing COVID-19 test.

It is said that seating arrangement has been done with proper distancing. Similarly, the lawmakers should wear a face mask upon arriving in the meeting hall. Temperature will also be tested before their entry into the hall.
Earlier on Sunday, President Bidya Devi Bhandari summoned the budget session of the federal parliament from Friday at the recommendation of the cabinet.

 
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