Exams at treatment centres
Additionally, 40 special centres have been set up covering all districts, for Covid-19-infected candidates to sit for examinations whilst receiving treatment. Necessary arrangements have already been made to ensure the health of the children in consultation with the principals, public health inspectors, and regional health officers. Given that the Colombo District is still recorded to have the highest number of infections, Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasarathna stated earlier last week that two wards at the Navagamuwa Hospital have been set aside to accommodate students under quarantine who are sitting for the exams in the coming 10 days, since they might contract the virus whilst facing the examination. “Students that are warded at the Navagamuwa Hospital will have an examination centre set up at the hospital premises, so they do not have to travel to their designated examination centre,” Yasarathna elaborated.Results by June
The results of the GCE O/L examination, scheduled to be held from 1-10 March, are expected to be released by June, Minister of Education G.L. Peiris said. Speaking further on the topic, the Minister said: “Our main objective is not to waste the precious youth of the country’s children. We are ready to face all the challenges that come in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic so that we can continue our education. If all goes according to schedule, the students will be admitted to A/L classes from July onwards.”DGHS instructions to parents and candidates
Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena, in light of the upcoming examinations, had shared an update on the additional measures that were in place for conducting examinations amidst the pandemic to the Ministry of Education Secretary Prof. Kapila Perera. Additionally, Dr. Gunawardena had also shared the following healthcare guidelines that parents and the students should adhere to during the examination period. For parents/guardians- If the child is having symptoms suggestive of Covid-19 such as fever/cough/sore throat during the exam period, obtain advice from the area Medical Officer of Health (MOH)
- If the child tests positive for Covid-19 or is under quarantine, do adhere to the guidelines and instructions issued by the areas Public Health Inspector (PHI) and MOH
- If the parent/guardian is under quarantine and is having difficulty arranging transport for the child to the examination hall, do inform the Divisional Secretariat or the school principal for support
- Provide accurate contact details to the school principal/PHI/MOH
- Follow instructions given by the school/MOH office regarding Covid-19 prevention:
- Adhere to respiratory etiquette (cough or sneeze to the inner side of your elbow)
- Regularly wash hands, properly using soap and water/use sanitiser
- Wear the mask correctly to cover your nose and mouth
- Maintain physical distance and ensure that a distance of at least a metre is kept between yourself and other
- Do not gather in crowds in common areas; at the entrance of the examination centre, registration desk, hand washing station, or canteens
- Do not eat together or share your meals with the others. Maintain physical distance when having meals as well
- Bring necessary stationery with you
- Do not unnecessarily hang around the examination centre before or after the examinations
- Inform the invigilator if you happen to develop any symptoms relating to Covid-19 during the examination such as fever/cough/sore throat. (The invigilator is to then inform the PHI/MOH/school principal immediately to make necessary arrangements)
- Candidates experiencing fever/respiratory illnesses are instructed to wear the mask at all times and sit for the examination at the isolation room reserved for them
- If a student is identified to be positive for Covid-19, the student will be transferred to a hospital/treatment centre and they will be able to sit for the examination from the hospital or the treatment centre that they have been admitted to. (Students are allowed to take their study material with them if they are sent to a hospital or treatment centre)