Covid Has Not Deterred VE Testing by WEARC

The West Essex Amateur Radio Club of Essex Fells, NJ, continues to conduct VE testing with the examinees remaining in their cars under a covered car port at a local office building in Fairfield, NJ.The club has been conducting the VE testing concurrently with the American Red Cross Amateur Radio Club so they could utilize the facility as well for their applicants taking the test. If an applicant passes the exam they came for, they are then given the option to take the next level exam if they so desire.

Last Saturday, October 24^th,2020, the attendance consisted of 14 applicants and was administered by 10 VE's. The results were quite gratifying with 13 applicants passing. I would like to acknowledge those VE's who participated in the event, they were, K2NNN, KC2WRQ, AC2EI, K2DEG, WA2WL, KD2MAR, NB1LL, W2DG, N2DH, and KD2RNG.

Those taking the test filled out all the paperwork required and submit it in advance of the test date.Mike Luongo, K2NNN, Liaison, who oversees the process, prepared the other required paperwork in advance so that the overall personal contact is reduced to a minimum.

The applicants never leave their vehicles, and everyone wears masks, maintains proper social distancing and, since it is held outdoors, the risk has been managed to mitigate exposure to Corvid.

The club has been conducting these outdoor tests since July and we hope to do one more round in November, however that will be dependent upon the weather.

The willingness to volunteer by the club members and step up in these trying times is yet another example of the great public service radio amateurs provides to the community.