At this same time last year, we were all wondering if the world as we knew it pre-March 2020 would ever return or if we’d be stuck in dystopian purgatory forever. Thankfully we — we as in those of us in the United States — made it through and might even have a normal summer, at least as normal a summer as we can expect after the horror of last year. In other words, the last year was tough and even the most optimistic among us were starting to lose hope but we got it together and surely will be able to move on with all our lives almost as if the whole thing never happened.
At least in my neck of the woods the grocery store no longer requires a mask for vaccinated folks which is great for those of us who have missed the bottom half of people’s faces for the last 15 months. And an encouraging sign that the world we once knew still exists, just waiting for us to finish this panini and get back to it.
Unfortunately, we’re not quite there yet. For those of you taking the CPA exam this summer, you won’t be able to rip off that mask and bask in the sour faces of your fellow test-takers at Prometric just yet. Here’s the latest from the Prometric Coronavirus update page as of May 21, 2021:
Bring and wear a mask during the entirety of their time at the test center or your exam will be terminated. A mask is not mandatory if you are testing at a state university site where an executive order prohibits the mandating of face coverings or restricting activities in response to the COVID-19 disaster. Both medical masks or cloth face coverings are acceptable, in accordance with the specifications established by the CDC. Masks with exhale/one-way valves are prohibited to use at the testing center, due to the lack of viral particle filtration provided by these masks. Masks with wearable technology are also prohibited. Any test taker that comes to the test center without an acceptable mask will not be allowed to test, marked as a “no show,” and will not be eligible for a free reschedule.
Oh and before you get the bright idea to write mnemonics on the inside of that greasy, beat-up mask of yours, keep in mind that they’re checking them at the door.
While maintaining social distancing, masks will need to be lowered or removed momentarily for this process, specifically so that the reverse side of all test takers masks can be inspected, by clasping the sides or strap of the mask to remove briefly and then reaffixing in same manner.
Oof, foiled again.
No word on when Prometric might fully lift the mask mandate, we should assume they will not be in any rush to do so. Hey, it beats not being able to test at all right?
