Pancyprian exams get underway with special health protocols (updated)

Pancyprian examinations started on Friday with special arrangements for Covid-19 cases, contacts and those who did not present a negative coronavirus test.

The first subject was biology starting 8am to 11pm with 1,664 candidates, the education ministry said.

“We are very satisfied with the process. All the procedures so far went smoothly,” the head of the Examination Service Dimitris Chandriotis told the Cyprus News Agency.

In a tweet, Education Minister Prodromos Prodromou wished good luck to the 7,295 candidates from high schools, technical schools and older graduates nationwide expected to take the exam this year.

“We had a difficult school year…I wholeheartedly wish the best to the 7,295 candidates. Good luck!”, he wrote.

On Friday, three students who had tested positive and two who were close contacts of a confirmed coronavirus case took the exam in a different room with special protocols.

Despite the small number today, “the special examination centres are ready and will operate where needed,” Prodromou said after his visit at the Akropolis high school.

All candidates were obliged to present a negative coronavirus rapid or PCR test.

Students who refused to undergo a mandatory rapid test were to take the exam in a room separated from the rest of the candidates, according a circular distributed by the education ministry.

From the 7,295 candidates, 6,949 are senior high-school students and 346 are senior graduates. Some 1,736 candidates are only taking the exam to receive their high-school diploma, while 5,559 to compete for a university place in Cyprus or Greece.

And 522 candidates are sitting the exam to enter Military Schools.