The National Assembly and its separate Members' Office Building were placed under quarantine at 6 p.m. Monday, after a person infected with COVID-19 was found to have taken part in an event held at the Office Building the previous week.

The plenary session was called off and lawmakers who attended the event, including Floor Leader Shim Jae-cheol of the main opposition United Future Party, took COVID-19 tests.

Health authorities disinfected the two buildings and sealed them off for the 24-hour quarantine, after which the parliament will convene Wednesday. During the lockdown, essential personnel will stay at the premises, but no visitors will be allowed.

After Wednesday, the parliament’s other subsidiary buildings, including its library, will be disinfected, the parliament spokesperson said, adding, “As far as I recall, this is the first time the parliament has shut down and been put under quarantine.”

By Choi Si-young (siyoungchoi@heraldcorp.com)