Ministry of Health's Guidance on Handling Situations of High School Graduation Exam Candidates Infected with Covid-19 in 2023
How does the Ministry of Health guide handling candidates for the 2023 High School Graduation Exam who contract Covid-19?
On June 14, 2023, the Ministry of Health issued Official Dispatch 3636/BYT-KCB of 2023 regarding the assurance of medical work serving the 2023 High School Graduation Exam (THPT).
The Official Dispatch clearly states that to ensure the health of the candidates, the Ministry of Health provides guidelines for handling suspected Covid-19 cases while organizing the THPT graduation exam as follows:
(1) When a suspected Covid-19 case is detected, the on-duty health official immediately reports to the focal point official of the Examination Council for monitoring and the Leaders of the unit where the health official is on duty at the Examination Point (without notifying anyone else to avoid information confusion), then reports to the High School Graduation Exam Organization Committee for handling instructions.
(2) Guide the suspected case to the on-site health room for rapid SARS-CoV-2 virus testing and health status assessment:
- If the SARS-CoV-2 virus test is negative: Continues to participate in the exam and other activities serving the High School Graduation Exam if the health condition is assured; wears a mask; immediately informs the health authorities if there are any abnormal signs or symptoms to receive guidance and handling.
- If the SARS-CoV-2 virus test is positive:
- If the health condition is assured and the candidate can still attend the exam:
+ At Examination Points without a separate examination room: Consider arranging a separate examination desk for the candidate, having them wear a mask, and minimizing contact with others during the examination procedures and exam; self-monitoring health daily and reporting to health officials if there are any abnormal health signs.+ At Examination Points with a separate examination room: Arrange for the candidate to take the exam separately.+ Guide students' parents to implement medical measures at home or place of residence after the candidate takes the exam; conduct daily rapid SARS-CoV-2 virus tests during the examination period.- If the health condition is not assured for attending the exam: Transfer to a medical facility for Covid-19 examination and treatment and complete other procedures according to the regulations of the High School Graduation Exam.
(3) Sanitize and disinfect the examination location.
(4) Notify the focal point officials of the Organization Committee and Leaders of the health agency for handling and managing according to regulations.
(5) Other activities continue as per the approved examination plan.
Additionally, after the conclusion of the High School Graduation Exam, candidates, invigilators, service personnel, and other participants self-monitor their health according to the regulations.
How will the examination points for the 2023 National High School Graduation Exam implement pandemic prevention and control?
Guidelines in Section 2, Guidelines for Monitoring and Preventing COVID-19 to serve the High School Graduation Exam and university, vocational education admissions in 2023, issued with Official Dispatch 3636/BYT-KCB of 2023, are as follows:
- Implement personal measures against COVID-19 and comply with other epidemic prevention guidelines.
- Encourage candidates, invigilators, direct service personnel to wear masks, wash hands with soap, or use hand sanitizer.
Will invigilators for the 2023 High School Graduation Exam who test positive for Covid-19 be allowed to take leave and not participate in invigilation?
Additionally, at point b, sub-section 1.2 of the Guidelines issued with Official Dispatch 3636/BYT-KCB of 2023, the handling of suspected COVID-19 cases for invigilators and direct service personnel is as follows:
- If, after health status evaluation, it is assessed that they can still participate in invigilation and service:
+ If a replacement official can be arranged: Allow the official to take leave and not participate in invigilation, return home or place of residence for quarantine and rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen testing as per regulations.
+ If a replacement official cannot be arranged: Require the official to strictly wear a mask and minimize contact with others; preferably arrange for a separate seating and living area; implement medical measures (ensure quarantine to prevent infection) at home or place of residence after invigilation sessions; conduct daily rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen tests during the period; self-monitor health daily and report to health officials if there are any abnormal health signs.
- If the health condition does not allow participation in invigilation or service: Transfer to a medical facility for Covid-19 examination and treatment and complete other procedures according to the regulations of the High School Graduation Exam.
Additionally, close contacts of someone who tests positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus or contracts Covid-19 must wear masks strictly and self-monitor their health.
LawNet
