Sources said Rajya Sabha chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has directed that all officials and staff of over 1,300 should be tested for corona and recovery of the infected shall be closely monitored and assisted in hospitalisation and treatment if needed. He has also directed regular monitoring and review of the situation. Naidu will review the situation every week. The development comes days before the budget session of Parliament, which usually begins at the end of January.

Officials said Naidu has also directed that measures be taken to contain the spread of virus among the secretariat officials and staffers ahead of the budget session.

In a recent circular, the Lok Sabha secretariat also said 50% of officers below the level of the under secretary will attend office by rotation as decided by their respective directors. The working hours of all employees who attend office on a particular day has been staggered between 10 am and 10:30 am with corresponding office exit timings to avoid rush in commuting as also in lifts and corridors.

(With inputs from agencies)