QC gov't to conduct COVID-19 rapid antigen tests on Bar examinees
The Quezon City government will conduct COVID-19 rapid antigen tests on more than 1,100 Bar examinees, staff and volunteers to make sure that the examinations to be held on Feb. 4 and 6 will not be a “superspreader” event, Mayor Joy Belmonte announced on Tuesday, Feb. 1.
The local government said that the swab tests will be conducted on Feb. 2 for the 756 bar examinees and on Feb. 3 for the 350 personnel and volunteers at the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Human Kinetics Gymnasium.
“We have been closely coordinating with the Supreme Court (SC) 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,” the mayor said.
According to the city government, the SC agreed to provide the test kits while the QC Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (QCESU) will conduct and oversee the testing.
It said that the QCESU has dedicated 20 health personnel for the testing. Other city departments will also assist during the tests and examinations.
Those who would test positive for COVID-19 will be assessed and referred either for home quarantine or for transfer to the city's HOPE Community Care facilities.
The QC Task Force for Transport and Traffic Management (QCTFTTM) will also maintain the smooth flow of traffic in the UP vicinity.
“Rest assured that we will provide all the support needed, and the issues concerning health or safety will be the least of your worries. We wish all the examinees the best of luck,” Belmonte said.