Parliament is to resume work as normal from 29 April with no further postponements despite the ongoing threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19), parliamentary speaker Ali Abdel-Aal announced on Sunday.
As part of the state’s ongoing precautionary measures against the virus, Parliament distributed free masks to all members, employees, and parliamentary reporters during Monday’s session. All employees and workers inside the House of Representatives wore blue masks, in light of General Secretariat directives.
Parliament was scheduled to meet on 29 March, but a further postponement of sessions was decided upon until 12 April. Following ongoing cases, and as part of the precautionary measures, it was then decided to further extend the suspension until 29 April.
Abdel-Aal said parliament will discuss a number of important laws tackling real estate taxes and the treatment of epidemics.
The speaker praised the efforts being exerted to fight the coronavirus and stimulate the economy. He added that parliament has allocated EGP 25m in donations to contain the virus.
Abdel-Aal added that parliament has a busy schedule as of 29 April. Once back in session, it will continue to observe social distancing protocols and other measures in line with the precautions set out by the government and the Ministry of Health.
