Free mandatory Covid-19 PCR tests for students returning to school in Abu Dhabi

Students aged 12 and above at private schools in Abu Dhabi need to undergo a compulsory Covid-19 PCR test should they opt to return to their campus, the capital’s education regulator has confirmed.

The test will need to be repeated periodically, the Abu Dhabi Department of Knowledge and Education added, without specifying how often the students will be required to repeat the tests.

People of determination, however, would be excluded from the testing. The screening will be free for students who undergo the tests scheduled by their schools. Parents must contact the school for information on testing time and location.

However, students must pay for their own tests if they decide to undergo it on a date and at a location other than that specified by their school.

Private and Charter Schools in #AbuDhabi opened its doors yesterday to offer in-class learning to students in all grades, from KG to Cycle 3. pic.twitter.com/9b71MoWsgq

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) February 15, 2021

All teachers and staff members returning to the campus must obtain a negative Covid-19 PCR result, and must secure a negative result every two weeks.

Students, teachers and staff members with chronic health conditions will be permitted to return to school upon presenting an approved back-to-school medical fitness certificate signed by a physician, a signed risk undertaking form by staff members or guardians (in the case of students) acknowledging understanding of health challenges related to going back to school during Covid-19.

All those returning from international travel must adhere to precautionary measures announced by health authorities.

Furthermore, schools must ensure 1.5-metres physical distancing. Masks have been made mandatory for students in Grade 1 and above.

The department of education said that it would increase school inspection campaigns to ensure compliance with the guidelines and pledged to undertake 220 inspections in the first week back at school.

Earlier this month, the Abu Dhabi’s Emergency Crisis and Disaster Committee confirmed that in-classroom education would resume for all grades and schools starting February 14.

Read: UAE public schools to resume onsite education from February 14

The education department reiterated on Monday though that distance learning was still an option available to all students.

The UAE’s Ministry of Education, meanwhile, has already directed educational authorities in four emirates – Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman – to shift all students in schools and nurseries to 100 per cent e-learning as a measure to contain the spread of Covid-19.

Read: Ras Al Khaimah becomes UAE’s fourth emirate to shift to 100% distance learning