Quezon City conducts antigen tests for Bar takers

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government yesterday administered rapid antigen tests to 756 law graduates who will take the Bar examinations at the University of the Philippines in Diliman tomorrow and Sunday.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said 20 health personnel from the city epidemiology and disease surveillance unit (CESU) were deployed for the testing initiative at the UP College of Human Kinetics gymnasium.

Some 350 personnel and volunteers at the UP Diliman testing site will also undergo COVID-19 tests today.

“We have been coordinating with the Supreme Court (SC) as well as administrators from UP, which has been selected as one of the testing sites,” Belmonte said.

“We want to ensure the safety of the Bar examinees and the success of the examinations this week,” she added.

According to the city government, the SC agreed to provide the test kits used by the CESU to conduct the rapid antigen testing of over 1,100 people.

Those who will test positive for COVID will be referred either for home quarantine or to any of the city’s HOPE community care facilities.

Belmonte said other local offices are carrying out the necessary preparations for the antigen testing and Bar examinations, including the setting up of emergency tents at UP Diliman.

Personnel from the city’s task force for transport and traffic management will be deployed to maintain the smooth flow of traffic around 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.