Abu Dhabi schools: staff and pupils 12 and above must have Covid-19 test every two weeks

All Abu Dhabi private school students over the age of 12 are required to take PCR Tests to Getting back to school

The new rules were included in a guide for parents issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, the emirate’s private school regulator, ahead of the new academic year.

“We are committed to the health and safety of our school community,” the guide said.

“Therefore, to identify any infections in a timely manner, all pupils aged 12 and above, teachers and staff will be tested every two weeks.”

Pupils, aged over 12, and staff will also have to undergo PCR tests within a 96 hour period of returning from school holidays, including Eid, winter, summer and spring breaks.

“Any changes and updates on required testing may change based on the health situation and will be communicated to you through your children’s school,” the guide said.

“Please stay in touch with your child’s school to have him/her take the PCR test on the designated date to ensure that your child is allowed on the school premises.”

Children between the age of 3 and 15 years do not have to be vaccinated to return to school.

But pupils aged 16, or over, must be vacc

inated to enter school premises and have their status confirmed on the Al Hosn app.

“If your child turns 16 during the academic year, they are required to take the first dose of the vaccine within four weeks of turning 16 and they must complete their second dose on time,” the guide said.

If parents decide not to vaccinate their children, and they are aged 16 or over, they will have to learn remotely.

The guide also states while schools have the option not to offer distance learning, they must provide it for children with medical conditions who are at risk of contracting the virus.

Pupils aged 16 or over who are not vaccinated must also be provided with remote learning options.