Politics of Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Source: rainbowradioonline.com

Stigma makes it impossible to disclose identities of persons who'll test positive - Majority Leader

Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu Majority Leader, Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu

The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu has said the stigmatisation associated with testing positive to the coronavirus makes it impossible to disclose the identities of any MP or staff of parliament who will test positive to the virus.

The Majority reacting to reports that some MPs and parliamentary had tested positive to the virus, the Majority Leader bemoaned the "speculative story” stressing the need for Ghanaians to respect the confidentiality of people.

He recounted how some recovered persons had to suffer in public through stigma.

This he said makes it difficult to reveal the identity of people who will test positive.

He explained that anybody who tested positive, the information will be between the medical officers and that individual.

He also hinted the person would be asked to self-isolate until he or she recover from the virus.

He said some confidentiality is required in these matters.

Disclosing the identities of persons who will test positive he opined would discourage others from testing for the virus.

He admonished MPs, parliamentary staff, regular staff and the press corps to subject themselves to the mandatory testing.