The Egyptian Government has agreed to vaccinate Members of Parliament (MPs) against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), after MPs made several calls for such a move.
The calls come particularly after several MPs tested positive for the virus. Parliamentary Speaker Hanafi Gebali confirmed that he sent a letter to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in order to provide vaccinations for MPs.
This came during the Parliament’s plenary session, and in response to the request raised by MP Mustafa Bakri to provide vaccinations to MPs. Should this not happen, he noted that parliament should adjourn its sessions, especially since a deputy is infected with the coronavirus on a daily basis.
Earlier, Bakri had demanded that the council’s sessions be suspended until Council of Ministers members could receive the COVID-19 vaccine. He indicated that there were several infections among its members.
He pointed to the calls that prevent gatherings and funerals, explaining that these gatherings apply to the Council as well, especially with council members not obliged to wear masks.
Gebali expressed his solidarity with Bakri’s demand, and said, “On my part, I support what MP Mustafa Bakri said, and we will strive hard for this step.”
For his part, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Alaeddin Fouad announced that he had asked Minister of Health and Population Hala Zayed to provide the vaccine for the deputies, a request to which she agreed.
He indicated that he requested parliament’s Secretary-General Ahmed Manna to provide a list of the names that will receive the vaccine, to be sent to the Ministry of Health and Population to provide the vaccine.
Gebali confirmed that his speech to the Prime Minister has already arrived, stressing at the same time the need to adhere to the precautionary measures.
He added, “Until vaccination is completed, everyone must adhere to the precautionary measures.”
MP Diauddin Daoud also expressed solidarity with Bakri’s demand that procedures for receiving vaccinations for MPs should begin. At the same time, he demanded that the value of the vaccine be deducted from the MPs’ remuneration so that it is not an exception.
