A statement issued by parliament's Secretary-General Mahmoud Fawzi on Wednesday afternoon said the House's coming plenary meetings will be held on 29 April instead of Sunday 12 April.

 

"The postponement is in line with the state’s policy as announced by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on Tuesday extending the nationwide curfew for another two weeks, or until 23 April," said the statement, adding that "the decision suspends parliamentary gatherings that might lead to the spread of the coronavirus to help maintain the safety and health of MPs and ensure that the state institutions perform their duties in a normal fashion."

 

The decision is also in line with Article 277 of the House's internal by-laws, which grant the speaker a mandate to change the date of plenary meetings whenever necessary.

 

"As a result, Speaker Ali Abdel-Aal decided that the House's plenary meetings, which were scheduled for 12 April, be postponed to 29 April."

 

On 23 March, parliament decided for the first time to postpone its meetings which were scheduled for 29 March to 12 April.

 

Parliament issued a statement on 20 March urging citizens to abide by the precautionary measures taken by the government to contain the coronavirus. Guests and staff are not currently allowed to enter the House's building unless they test negative for coronavirus.