The Ministry of Education (MoE) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) have jointly announced safety protocols for Grade 12 examinations scheduled to take place in June 2021.

The safety protocols apply to all public and private schools following the MoE's curriculum. The protocols consist of an array of precautionary measures aimed at ensuring the highest level of safety and security for teachers, students, administrative staff and other members as well as combating the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As per the protocol, Grade 12 students, teachers, administrators and support staff such as catering and cleaning workers, and security guards, are required to submit a negative PCR test result on June 8, 2021 (Tuesday) and June 13, 2021 (Sunday). This means that the PCR Test results must be generated within four days of the day of the exam.

The protocols also list a number of general precautionary measures including arriving at schools at least 30 minutes before the test to ensure systematic management of all students. The school gates will be opened 60 minutes before the exam for all students.

It is mandatory for parents and other family members escorting students to the school to stay in their vehicles or buses in order to prevent any exposure to other students.

Students of determination are exempted from this protocol. They are also required to undergo mandatory PCR testing and comply with all precautionary measures.

The authorities further call on students and teaching and administrative staff to refrain from going to educational establishments in case they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or any other respiratory symptoms.

They have urged all students, teachers, and administrative staff to follow preventive and precautionary measures including wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing in exam halls to control the spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, students with COVID-19 infection and those who have come in close contact with an infected person have been exempted from sitting for exams in the halls. The protocols have added that special measures will be implemented for them to ensure that they are able to give the exams.