The Tribune

• WEDNESDAY UPDATE: Following confirmation that a House of Assembly staffer tested positive for COVID-19, Speaker Halson Moultrie revealed that his protocol recommendations were ignored by the government. – click HERE for story

HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie and the majority of House staffers are under quarantine after Chief Clerk David Forbes tested positive for COVID-19, The Tribune understands.

In his capacity as chief clerk, it is believed that staffers and Speaker Moultrie could have come into contact with Mr Forbes.

As a result, the staffers, who learned of the situation yesterday along with Speaker Moultrie, are under quarantine.

Mr Forbes is said to be experiencing mild COVID-19 symptoms at this time.

The House of Assembly is expected to meet today.

This is not the first time Parliament has dealt with coronavirus infections.

In September 2020, a staff member of Parliament who interacted with elected officials during a House of Assembly sitting tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the cancellation of Senate proceedings at the time.

Several parliamentarians also tested positive last year.

In light of the previous cases, Speaker Moultrie has at times expressed disappointment with the government for not transitioning parliamentary proceedings to a larger space or switching to virtual meetings.

He could not be reached for comment up to press time.