An update from LTC: COVID-19 measures during exam events

That’s why we at LTC would like to let you know the many steps that we’re actively taking to keep your candidates, our invigilation staff, venue suppliers and the broader community safe and well, and your examination events running as smoothly as possible.

We’re running as scheduled

We’re continuing to work and deliver all your scheduled examination events, with increased risk mitigation strategies in place (more on these below). As you know, this is an evolving situation in which we continue to monitor any Government guidelines. We will notify you immediately if we are asked to make changes to your upcoming exam events at any of our sites, and work with you on applying appropriate alternative measures.

The measures we’re taking

Our team of trained professionals understand the commitment that we make to our community. We’re closely following the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s workplace guidelines. Here are the other steps we’re taking to keep everyone safe.

Key personnel

LTC’s permanent and core personnel are all following the travel and quarantine requirements set by the Australian Government. We’re also routinely working from home to mitigate any risk and ensure that business continues.

Invigilation staff

As per the WHO guidelines on high-risk countries, our invigilation staff are not permitted to come to work if they have travelled to or from, or transited through, moderate or high-risk areas in the past 14 days. This also applies if they have been in close contact with someone with a confirmed case of coronavirus, or anyone under quarantine or self-isolation.

All staff have been advised to err on the side of caution regarding the above or if they are feeling unwell and, if they are in any doubt, have been told not to come to work.

Invigilation staff with pre-existing conditions that put them in the at-risk category, such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes, have been encouraged to withdraw from work. Reports indicate that older adults are most at risk. As proud employers of many invigilators in this age group, we’re taking extra care of these team members under State and Federal guidelines, and have given them the option to not come to work.

All our invigilation staff are informed about updated procedures for increased hygiene practices, including correct hand washing and personal hygiene techniques, personal space recommendations and exam room sanitation processes.

Venues

We’re ensuring that all our venues and each of our supplier venues follow State and Federal Government coronavirus hygiene guidelines. All venues have abundant hand sanitiser available for invigilation staff and candidates, cleaning services have been increased and door handles are being regularly sanitised. Where possible, candidate seating is dispersed across larger rooms to reduce contact.

Amended processes

Like many organisations managing events where large numbers of people gather, we’ve taken the initiative to change the way we normally do things, in light of the public health situation. These measures include:

• Candidates are requested to hold up their ID/admission materials for invigilators to inspect, rather than handing these documents to our staff directly
• Invigilation staff are wearing gloves when collecting exam materials
• Invigilation staff and candidates are welcome to wear face masks during exams. Note: We will still require a brief identity verification without the mask
• Invigilation staff will note details of candidates who appear unwell on an incident report for education providers’ records
• We have placed additional signage outside each exam room requesting that unwell candidates do not sit their exam and contact their education providers for further advice
• Where possible, we’re keeping exam room doors slightly ajar to avoid the need to touch door handles

The guidelines we’re following

Please find the below references LTC is using for guidance.

World Health Organization

• Detailed information and guidance on Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak

Australian Government Department of Health

• Comprehensive information on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Information from WHS regulators

• SafeWork NSW – Coronavirus
• WorkSafe Victoria – Preparing for pandemics: a guide for employers and Exposure to coronavirus in workplaces
• WorkCover Queensland – Coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace risk management
• NT WorkSafe – Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
• WorkSafe Tasmania – Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

State and territory health departments and other agencies

• NSW Health – COVID-19 and COVID-19 FAQs
• Victorian Department of Health and Human Services – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• Northern Territory Department of Health – Coronavirus (COVID-19) latest Northern Territory specific updates
• ACT Health – Latest information about novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the ACT
• Western Australia Department of Health – Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Western Australia Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety – Novel coronavirus and absence from work
• Queensland Health – Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

How technology is helping

LTC can offer you the option of remote online proctoring, which allows candidates to sit a fully invigilated exam without having to leave their home. You can read more about online proctoring here, as well as how digital education technology is helping higher education institutions overcome the disruptions from coronavirus travel bans here.

We’re here for you

The LTC team is committed to ensuring your examination events run smoothly and safely through this challenging time.

Should you have any concerns or queries, please do not hesitate to contact me directly on [email protected]

Take care,

Rebecca Niemiec
Managing Director
LTC