This archive report was first published on 21 April 2020.
On April 21, 2020, a Tanzanian member of parliament tested positive for coronavirus, sparking concerns about the safety of lawmakers and the public.
According to Deputy Speaker Tulia Ackson, the MP had traveled to Dar es Salaam, the country's epicenter of infections, where it is believed the virus was contracted.
Parliament's sessions, which began three weeks ago, have been held with precautions in place, including fewer MPs in the chamber, shorter hours of discussion, and some debates held via video conferencing.
Speaker Job Ndugai has defended reconvening parliament, arguing that the country's essential operations must continue, despite the risks posed by the virus.
However, some politicians have called for parliament to be suspended to allow for disinfection of the chamber and testing of all MPs to identify and quarantine those who may be infected.
Opposition MP Zitto Kabwe, leader of the ACT-Wazalendo party, said, 'There shall be no two set of laws – for MPs and for the people. All MPs should be isolated, tested and contact-traced. Right from the beginning we advised that the parliament sessions should not be held. It's dangerous.'
Another opposition MP, Upendo Peneza, had previously suggested a lockdown for Dar es Salaam city to curb the spread of coronavirus.
The total number of coronavirus cases in Tanzania now stands at 254, with 10 deaths, and the virus has spread to nearly half of the country's regions.
