Panaji, Jul 3 (PTI) Ahead of the monsoon session of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Speaker Rajesh Patnekar has appealed to all the MLAs to get themselves tested for the COVID-19 infection.

Patnekar told reporters on Thursday the MLAs should get tested themselves for COVID-19 as they are on the field, mixing with people and serving them.

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His statement comes two days after a BJP MLA tested positive for the coronavirus infection. The South Goa-based MLA is currently being treated at ESI Hospital in Margao town.

It is better for the MLAs to undergo test as they often rush to places where COVID-19 cases are detected. I sincerely appeal to all MLAs to get tested, Patnekar said.

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The monsoon session of the assembly is scheduled to commence from July 27.

Meanwhile, the state legislature department on Thursday issued an advisory to the MLAs, asking them to avoid holding any meetings in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

"Due to the prevailing situation in the country and in Goa, it is advised to all members that it would be prudent not to have any meetings, briefings and other activities which result in gatherings in an enclosed space, legislature secretary Namrata Ulman has said in the advisory. PTI RPS RSY RSY 07031039 NNNNres and to follow the recommendations of wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.

Panama has the most confirmed coronavirus cases and COVID-19 deaths in Central America. On Thursday, officials for the first time reported over 1,000 cases for the preceding 24 hours along with 17 more deaths.

The country has had more than 117,000 confirmed cases, with more than 13,000 still active, and 564 deaths. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)