Candidates who have tested positive for coronavirus will be permitted to take the Karnataka Common Entrance Test that will be held on 30 and 31 July, according to a Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) released by the government on 20 July.

The SOP states, “No candidate who is Covid positive shall be denied an opportunity to appear in the online examinations (computer-based).”

Strict guidelines have been given that need to be followed for coronavirus-positive candidates who take the examination.

First of all, candidates who take the KCET must inform the concerned authorities about their condition well in advance so that necessary arrangements can be made. They also have to produce a medical certificate that states they are fit to take the examination. They have to provide a ‘risk consent’ for taking the examination and must wear N-95 masks along with gloves. Such candidates will be transported between the hospitals and the examination centres by 108 ambulances.

Separate rooms will be provided for these candidates at the examination centres. A gap of three feet will be maintained between two candidates. The hall will be provided with the necessary equipment and natural ventilation. After the examination is over, the hall will be disinfected with a one percent sodium hypochlorite solution.

The examination officials will also need to observe social distancing norms. A minimum distance of six feet must be maintained at all times. The computer system will be kept ready, as will be the diary for the candidates’ signatures. The admission tickets have to be signed at a distance. The officials should avoid conversing frequently with the students.

A list of general SOPs has also been issued for the CET. It asks authorities to make sure that crowding outside the centres does not take place and that safety precautions are followed at all times.