All students in Abu Dhabi, even those above the age of 16 who have not been vaccinated, must return to school for the next academic term. The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) in Abu Dhabi made the statement on Wednesday, April 6.
The Emirate’s education authority also announced that physical separation measures for students, teachers, and administrative staff would be loosened and that the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test requirements for students, teachers, and administrative staff will be modified.
So, if you’re a parent or a student in Abu Dhabi looking for the most up-to-date COVID-19 guidelines, here’s what ADEK has to say.
All students should be physically present in schools
All kids, even those over the age of 16 who have not been vaccinated, should return to school, according to ADEK. Distance learning will, however, be available for the following categories:
- Medically fragile students are labeled as high-risk.
- Students who are showing signs of COVID-19.
During the temporary COVID-19 closures, distance learning will also be available.
Social distancing eased in Abu Dhabi schools
ADEK announced the required return to school for all students, as well as the option of physical distancing indoors and outside.
Updated PCR test requirements
Students, visitors, teachers, and administrative personnel must have an active Green status on the Al Hosn app to access a school or nursery in Abu Dhabi. The PCR test validity has varied for students based on their age group, according to ADEK. The following is the PCR test frequency required for each category:
- Negative test results every 14 days and a Green Pass are required for teachers, administrative employees, and students over the age of 16. The Al Hosn App also identifies people who have been excused from the COVID-19 vaccination.
- Conduct a PCR test every seven days for unvaccinated students above the age of 16.
- Students under 16: Every 30 days or a Green Pass on the Al Hosn app.
- Visitors: A valid negative PCR test result obtained within 48 hours or a Green Pass on the Al Hosn app.
COVD-19 school closure protocols updated
These are the protocols for school closure, according to ADEK:
- Class level closures are no longer applicable.
- School closures are still in effect, but for a shorter period of time: three days only.
