Seoul, Jun 13 (IANS): South Korea on Saturday carried out a written test for the civil service entrance nearly three months after the nationwide exam was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The test for the lowest-ranked grade nine of civil workers was originally scheduled for March 28 but was delayed amid rising concerns over the possible spread of COVID-19 among test takers, reports Yonhap News Agency.

Around 200,000 applicants were expected at 700 test venues across the country.

South Korea has adopted strict sanitary guidelines for applicants, including making it mandatory for them to wear protective masks at all times except for when checking their identification, according to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

The number of test takers in a single room will be limited to 20, down from the previous guideline of 30, to maintain safe distances between people.

Two applicants who are under self-quarantine were allowed to take the exam at their homes as well.

The country has reported more than 12,000 COVID-19 cases so far since reporting the first infection on January 20.