QC to conduct COVID-19 testing for Bar examinees, personnel, volunteers

A total of 756 examinees as well as 350 personnel and volunteers at the 2020/2021 Bar exams will undergo COVID-19 tests to be supervised by the Quezon City government.

According to the local government unit on Tuesday, the Supreme Court had agreed to provide the test kits while the city's Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (QCESU) will conduct and oversee the rapid antigen testing of the individuals involved.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said that the measure will help prevent the examinees from being exposed to COVID-19 and the activity from becoming a superspreader event.

“We have been closely coordinating with the Supreme Court as well as  administrators from the University of the Philippines, since the University has been selected as one of the testing sites. We share the same goal with them and that is to ensure the safety of the examinees and the success of the examinations on February 4 and 6,” Belmonte said.

The QCESU will designate 20 health personnel for the testing activities, which will be held on February 2 for the Bar examinees and February 3 for personnel and volunteers, both at the UP College of Human Kinetics Gymnasium.

Individuals who will test positive will be assessed and referred either for home quarantine or for immediate transfer to any of the city’s HOPE Community Care facilities.

The QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRMMO) and Quezon City Fire District (QCFD) will set up tents at the UP Campus and will be on standby for emergencies, while the QC Task Force for Transport and Traffic Management (QCTFTTM) will regulate traffic in the immediate vicinity of the campus.

“Rest assured that we will provide all the support needed and that issues concerning health or safety will be the least of your worries. We wish all the examinees the best of luck,” Belmonte said.

The Bar exams will take place on February 4 and 6 after several postponements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  — VBL, GMA News