The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport instructed public and private schools to implement strict health measures at all locations which have been designated as testing centres for national Grade 12 examinations. In addition, it ordered that temperature screening be employed, to ensure all possible precautions were taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The ministry also instructed them to thoroughly clean classrooms and exam halls, to ensure adequate garbage disposal and to disinfect tables, chairs, railings and doors for the examinations scheduled for December 5 and 6.

“We have issued these instructions to promote health and safety for the invigilators, exam commissioners and candidates during the exams,” he added.

He also said nationwide invigilators should establish sub-commissions for health to monitor and assess the sanitation and safety at all exam centres and grading facilities.

The minister recommended that they collaborate with health institutions to ensure that their preparations are adequate.

He said that plans must be in place to enable the invigilators and health teams to trace any infections – including a system which could warn those who had been in contact with an infected person.

“The heads of the exam centres must monitor and conduct health checks on invigilators, commissioners and candidates during the examinations. Ambulances and health officials should be on standby, with the necessary first aid equipment on hand,” he added.

Preah Vihear provincial education department director Chen Limhorn told The Post that the department had already prepared first aid centres for all students and invigilators.

He added that schools had also instructed candidates to take extra classes in preparation for the examinations.

“As the Covid-19 situation in our province is under control, we do not currently require all students to take rapid tests before the examinations. Of course, if an outbreak occurs between now and the date of the exams, additional measures may be introduced,” he said.

Chuon Naron also issued an announcement on rules and disciplinary measures, warning that candidates who attempt to cheat on the exams will be punished. Doing so affected public order and the public’s faith in the examination process, it said.

It explained that depending of the severity of the offending, students found attempting to cheat would automatically receive a fail and be banned from re-taking the exam for one or two years. In extreme cases, legal action may be pursued.

“We will impose disciplinary measures which are proportionate to their offending,” it said.