<p>All MLAs have to undergo RT-PCR tests for Covid-19 to attending the ensuing Budget session of the Odisha assembly that will begin on February 18, officials said on Friday.</p>.<p>A temporary camp will be set up in the assembly premises for conducting Covid-19 tests of all MLAs, their personal security officers, drivers, assembly staff, ministerial employees as well as journalists, as per a letter by the Health Department.</p>.<p>"Like the previous session, it is mandatory to undergo the RT-PCR test for entering the assembly building," assembly secretary Dasarathi Satpathy told PTI.</p>.<p>The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to check the spread of the virus, he said.</p>.<p>The Capital Hospital will conduct the RT-PCR tests from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm on February 15 and 16 and from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm on February 17 in the assembly premises.</p>.<p>Those attending the assembly proceedings will again undergo tests after the conclusion of the session.</p>.<p>If any member feels uncomfortable during the session, they may go for an antigen test, the Health Department said.</p>.<p>They will be provided with a face shield, mask, hand gloves and sanitiser daily before the commencement of each sitting during the session, it added.</p>.<p>The assembly secretariat has also prepared a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the purpose. </p>
<p>All MLAs have to undergo RT-PCR tests for Covid-19 to attending the ensuing Budget session of the Odisha assembly that will begin on February 18, officials said on Friday.</p>.<p>A temporary camp will be set up in the assembly premises for conducting Covid-19 tests of all MLAs, their personal security officers, drivers, assembly staff, ministerial employees as well as journalists, as per a letter by the Health Department.</p>.<p>"Like the previous session, it is mandatory to undergo the RT-PCR test for entering the assembly building," assembly secretary Dasarathi Satpathy told PTI.</p>.<p>The decision was taken as a precautionary measure to check the spread of the virus, he said.</p>.<p>The Capital Hospital will conduct the RT-PCR tests from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm and 3 pm to 5 pm on February 15 and 16 and from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm on February 17 in the assembly premises.</p>.<p>Those attending the assembly proceedings will again undergo tests after the conclusion of the session.</p>.<p>If any member feels uncomfortable during the session, they may go for an antigen test, the Health Department said.</p>.<p>They will be provided with a face shield, mask, hand gloves and sanitiser daily before the commencement of each sitting during the session, it added.</p>.<p>The assembly secretariat has also prepared a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the purpose. </p>