Panaji, Jul 2 (IANS):  Two days after a ruling BJP MLA tested positive for Covid-19, Speaker of the Goa assembly Rajesh Patnekar on Thursday urged all legislators to get themselves tested for the virus.

"Definitely, it is better to have tests done. MLAs often have to rush to sites where Covid cases are detected. People expect MLAs to help. By default they come in contact with some persons there, when they reach the spot," Patnekar told reporters here.

"I request all MLAs to go for self-testing. It is my appeal to them," Patnekar said.

The Speaker's comment comes a few days after Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik convened the monsoon session of the state legislative assembly from July 27.

State Legislature Department is also expected to issue a detailed advisory to all MLAs for the duration of the assembly session.

"Due to the prevailing situation in the country and the state of 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. This is particularly in view of the Assembly Session that is scheduled to commence on July 27," Goa's Secretary Legislature Namrata Ulman said in an advisory to all sitting lawmakers.

"In the meantime, consultations will be held with stakeholders to draw up an appropriate SOP to be followed during the assembly session," Ulman also said.

On Wednesday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had said, that the BJP MLA who had tested positive was part of a meeting of the ruling legislators, but added that social distancing norms were followed at the meet, which was held last month.