Abu Dhabi: Covid-19 testing requirements outlined for private school students

All students must return to in-classroom learning according to a circular sent by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to all private and charter schools in the emirate.

Although all students must return to in-classroom learning in the new term, exemptions can be made for those who present an attested ‘high risk’ medical report confirming their inability to attend classes on their campus.

Schools will also be given the option to lift physical distancing requirements in classrooms, with students in grades 1-12 required to wear face masks, according to state news agency WAM.

It will enable schools to return to full capacity, with exemptions also granted to students showing Covid-19 symptoms, or when the school shifts to distance learning due to closure requirements.

All students must present a 96-hours negative Covid-19 test result on the first day of their return to school.

Approved #COVID19 precautionary measures as of next term for Private & Charter Schools and Nurseries.#AbuDhabi #AlAin #AlDhafra #EmpowerEducation #EmpowerMinds pic.twitter.com/ZnKnHYu8ow

— التعليم والمعرفة (@ADEK_tweet) April 6, 2022

Unvaccinated students aged 16 and above can return to school upon providing a negative PCR test result every seven days.

Free tests are available at SEHA Drive Through Centers and private medical centers.

Students aged below 12 may opt for a free saliva test at dedicated centers whose details are available on the ADEK website.

All vaccinated students aged 16 and over as well as teachers and staff must undergo PCR tests every 14 days, and show their green status on Al Hosn App to enter schools. The same testing routine and requirements apply for the same categories with medical exemption validated on Al Hosn app.

PCR test validity remain 30 days for students aged under 16. Al Hosn Green Pass requirements will apply to all school visitors, while unvaccinated visitors will be required to present a negative PCR test result recorded within the last 48 hours.

Also, students, teachers and staff who come in close contact with a confirmed positive case, will be required to test on day 1 and day 7, or when they start showing symptoms.

The updated protocols also remove classroom and bubble closure requirements, with a three-day school-level closure only taking place if 15 per cent of its student body test positive at the same time.

Following the completion of closure period, close contact students must adhere to the testing schedule, while students who tested positive continue their distance learning till the completion of their isolation procedures.