Calls to shut uk parliament after coronavirus case
You're referring to the recent news about a COVID-19 case in the UK Parliament!
Yes, on March 10, 2020, the UK Parliament was temporarily suspended, also known as prorogued, after a member of Parliament (MP) tested positive for COVID-19. The decision was made as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the virus.
The MP, who has not been named, was in the House of Commons on March 9, 2020, and was tested positive for COVID-19 later that day. As a result, the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, announced that the Parliament would be suspended until further notice.
The suspension was intended to allow for a deep clean of the parliamentary buildings and to give MPs time to self-isolate if necessary. The decision was also made in consultation with the UK's Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, and the UK's Chief Scientific Adviser, Patrick Vallance.
The suspension was lifted on March 23, 2020, after a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the parliamentary buildings. MPs returned to the House of Commons on March 23, 2020, with new measures in place to reduce the risk of transmission, including social distancing, mask-wearing, and increased cleaning and disinfection.
It's worth noting that the UK Parliament has taken several measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including:
- Increasing the distance between MPs and staff in the House of Commons.
- Encouraging MPs to work from home or remotely.
- Reducing the number of people attending parliamentary events and meetings.
- Implementing enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols.
- Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) to MPs and staff.
These measures are intended to help reduce the risk of transmission and protect the health and well-being of MPs, staff, and the public.