ELEVEN new Covid-19-positive cases were detected in Parliament following the large-scale screening exercise carried out yesterday, said Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

The Health director-general said that till 8pm yesterday, a total of 1,183 individuals were put through the RTK-AG saliva test.

The tests were ordered after two positive cases were detected earlier in the day.

Parliament was adjourned at 3.30pm for all members of parliament, parliament staff and workers to be screened.

Of the total screened, three of the positive cases experienced mild symptoms while eight cases were asymptomatic. 

The latest figure means Parliament has detected 65 Covid-19 cases. 

Yesterday, the Health Ministry reported an overall total of 56 Covid-19 cases. The infections involved two MPs, six escort officers and 48 officers from various government agencies.

Following the detection of the positive cases, Noor Hisham said health authorities will conduct an investigation, risk assessment, contact detection, preventive and control measures including cleaning and disinfection of the Parliament building. 

“All those who will be attending the Special Session session of Parliament next week are advised to conduct the Covid-19 screening test first,” he said. 

“Those with symptoms are advised to go for an examination and not appear in Parliament. The health ministry will inform from time to time the latest developments on the results of tests and the close contact tracing conducted,” he added. – July 30, 2021.