EXAMINEES who tested positive for Covid19 in the antigen or RT-PCR test will not be allowed to take the 2020-2021 Bar Examinations, the Supreme Court said on Monday.

Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, the Bar chairperson, said the prohibition will apply to symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.

“We are monitoring the situation and maintaining our own state of readiness even as we deal with the course of this pandemic. Our staff including Bar chair will also quarantine. Our environment is not much different from yours,” Leonen said.

Fully vaccinated examinees will only undergo one antigen test taken within 48 hours before the exams.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated examinees are mandated to present a negative nasal or saliva RT-PCR test results taken within 72 hours before the exams.

Examinees who have recovered from Covid19 are allowed to take the exams but they must submit a negative antigen or RT-PCR test result; an affidavit stating that their local government unit considered them as “recovered”; and a proof that they completed the required isolation period.

All examinees were advised to get vaccinated against Covid19 and to go on self-quarantine starting January 10, 2022.

“We ask you to do your part to prepare, to protect yourself and to protect others. Now is not the time to be negligent. Being a Bar examinee does not mean that you cease to have empathy for the welfare of others. After all being a lawyer is not really only about you: it is about being able to truly empower and serve,” Leonen stressed.

The Bar exam will be held on January 23 and 25.