A student who was taking their standardized university entrance exams in Tokyo, Japan was disqualified after disobeying the instructions to wear their mask properly during the exam multiple times. According to the news, it was the first round of the exams which was held over the weekend on Jan. 16 and 17 of 2021 that involved over 535,000 applicants at 681 venues across the country.
Based on the exam operator statement, the student, whose gender and age were not disclosed, refused to cover their nose with a facial mask despite exam supervisors repeatedly telling them to do so a total of seven times. The student’s reason for not wearing a mask properly also was not disclosed.
While the student arrived at the venue wearing a mask, they partially removed their mask multiple times and was warned by supervisors to wear their mask properly six times before being warned of possible disqualification. According to the report, on the seventh and last instruction, the student’s conduct was taken as cheating and subsequently failed in the exam.
The National Centre for University Entrance Examinations in Japan has indicated on its website and leaflets for students that people are not allowed to take the exams unless they wear facial masks accordingly. Those who are unable to wear facial masks due to valid reasons such as medical issues are allowed to take the exams in a separate room, as long as they ask to do so at least one day before the tests. However, the student did not provide any special reason beforehand, said the center.
Sources: Kyodo News.