The Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, has said his advice to some Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliamentary Service staff to go into a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine should not be considered as punishment.

The speaker explained that, the directive was rather a protective move to safeguard their health, that of their family members, Parliament and its guests, as well as the public.

“As we are speaking now, 10 MPs who travelled abroad in these circumstances have been asked to stay in self-isolation for the mandatory number of days. Five members of staff who also went abroad and came back have been asked to do same,” the Speaker said.

Addressing Parliament last Tuesday, Prof. Oquaye said: “Self-quarantine is for the protection of all people in Parliament, as well as the unsuspecting members of the public who may also happen to visit the premises for genuine business.”

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He gave the explanation in a meeting with some reporters in his office to spell out measures the legislative body had initiated to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 in Parliament.

Present at the meeting were a medical doctor, marshals, the Clerk and other officials of Parliament.\Prof. Oquaye said the measures were in line with the protocol of the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of steps to stop the spread of the COVID-19.

Included in the protocol is social (physical) distancing, for which Parliament has, in the interim, advised members of the House to sit two seats away from one another.

“As you know, people are required by WHO regulations not to sit too close to one another, including family members, and we all have to obey, in the interest of all.

“There are matters of important national interest which would have to be tackled, whether it is a war of weapon or war of disease by members of Parliament,” the Speaker added.