The Quezon City local government has signified its support to this year’s bar examinations as it tasked its swab testing team to undertake the testing of 756 examinees and 350 personnel and volunteers at the bar exams to be held this week.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said this will ensure that all individuals involved, especially the examinees, are safe from exposure and that the activity will not become 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.

As per initial discussions, the Supreme Court agreed to provide the test kits while the Quezon City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (QCESU) will conduct and oversee the rapid antigen testing of over 1,100 individuals involved.

QCESU will dedicate 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.

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

Other Departments of the Quezon City Government are also carrying out the necessary preparations to assist during the swab testing and bar examinations.

The QC Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRMMO) and Quezon City Fire District (QCFD) will set up tents at the UP Campus and be on standby for any emergency.

Likewise, the QC Task Force for Transport and Traffic Management (QCTFTTM) is tasked to maintain the smooth flow of 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,” said Belmonte.

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