SC releases omnibus COVID-19 protocols for 2020/21 bar exams

The Supreme Court (SC) has released Omnibus COVID-19 Protocols for the 2020/21 Bar Examinations through Bar Bulletin No. 37, S. 2022, just today, January 28.

Said protocols include general rules for fully vaccinated examinees, partially vaccinated and unvaccinated examinees, symptomatic examinees, and special rules for examinees who had previously contracted COVID-19.

Fully vaccinated examinees are still required to obtain a negative antigen test result 2 days prior to February 4, the first day of the bar examinations.

For those examinees who will get a positive antigen result, they may still undergo  a confirmatory RT-PCR test, and should the latter test shows negative result, they may still be allowed to take the exam. However, if the LGU deems a positive antigen result as conclusive, examinees with said result will be barred from taking the exam.

All partially vaccinated or unvaccinated examinees are required to show a negative RT-PCR test result within 72 hours before February 4.

Meanwhile, examinees who are symptomatic upon entry into the local testing center will undergo an emergency antigen test, and should said test shows positive result, they will be barred from taking the exam.

Furthermore, fully vaccinated examinees who have previously contracted COVID-19 from Janyary 4-28, and no longer showing any symptoms shall be allowed inside the testing center subject to the conditions enumerated, such as negative antigen test 48 hours before February 4.

The 2020/21 bar examinations have been moved to February 4 and 6, 2022 with reduced coverage.