The President of the Senate informed of new arrangements in the Senate chamber in light of COVID-19. These include the use of face masks at desks when contributing to debates and that only 28 persons will be allowed in the Chamber at a time.

The Public Health (Amendment) Bill, 2020 was brought from the House of Representatives in the name of the Attorney General. The Attorney General, Hon. Faris Al-Rawi, MP, moved that the next stage of the Bill be taken later in the proceedings.

The Leader of Government Business moved a motion that Standing Order 43 (1) be suspended and that the speaking time of 30 minutes be allotted to the mover and first responders to Bills and motions on the Opposition and Independent benches and 20 minutes be allotted to all other contributors in the debate. With 17 votes for, 13 votes against and no abstentions, the motion was carried.

The Attorney General, Hon. Faris Al-Rawi, MP, moved the second reading of The Public Health (Amendment) Bill, 2020. Debate began on the Bill. Following the debate, the Bill was committed to a Committee of the Whole for consideration clause by clause. No amendments were made. The Bill was read a third time and passed.

All benches brought greetings to the nation on the celebration of Independence on August 31. The Sitting concluded at 5:25 p.m. The Senate adjourned to a date to be fixed.