Parliament House bars entry of retired officials to keep campus COVID-safe

In view of the spike in COVID-19 cases in the national capital, the Parliament Security Service on Wednesday (June 3) restricted entry of retired officials and visitors to the Parliament House Complex.

Earlier on Wednesday Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar tested positive for COVID-19.

“Officers/Staff are aware that suspect/confirmed COVID positive cases are being reported among the employees of both secretariats of Parliament. Therefore, there is a heightened need for the officials to take utmost care and precaution to prevent the spread of the disease at all places including the Parliament,” a circular issued by director of security BD Joshi said.

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The circular said that in view of the prevailing situation, retired officials and personal guests or visitors of the officials below the rank of Joint Secretary will not be permitted inside the Parliament House Complex till further orders.

The directive is applicable to all employees of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and allied departments.

Soon after Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar tested positive for the virus, a massive contact-tracing was launched and 35 officials working at the ministry’s headquarters in South Block in Raisina Hills were sent on home quarantine.

On Thursday (June 4), the Union Health Ministry issued a memorandum advising its staff to strictly follow precautionary measures to contain the spread of the disease and go home if they develop COVID-19 symptoms.

Delhi on Thursday witnessed a single-day spike of 1,298 COVID-19 cases. The Arvind Kejriwal government has closed the capital’s borders for a week to avoid any further rise in the infections.