‘Significant’ changes to COVID-19 rules to ensure more students can sit their VCE exams

VCE students will be able to sit their exams even if they’re primary close contacts of a COVID-19 case.

Students who are primary close contacts must isolate for seven days if fully vaccinated, or 14 days if not fully vaccinated, but they’ll receive an exemption to sit their exams on-site.

They must undergo COVID-19 testing every 48 hours for the first week after exposure to a COVID-19 case, and on day 13 of their isolation period.

The students will complete their exams in a well-ventilated dedicated room with a separate entrance, either by themselves or safely distanced from other students who are primary close contacts.

They’ll be supervised by  staff wearing face shields and healthcare worker level PPE. 

The room will be cleaned between each use.

Education Minister James Merlino said the “significant” changes will “enable VCE exams to go ahead without disruption”.

Students who test positive to COVID-19 will not be able to sit their VCE exams.

They’ll receive a derived examination score.

Press PLAY below to hear James Merlino announcing the change