Coronavirus: high school pupils in Abu Dhabi must get tested before school term starts

Education authorities in Abu Dhabi have told parents to ensure their children are tested for Covid-19 before they return to school next month.

They must share the report with the school, while the use of the Al Hosn smartphone app is recommended but not mandatory, said the Department of Education and Knowledge, the emirate's private school operators.

There are about 200 private schools in Abu Dhabi so it is estimated that tens of thousands of pupils must undergo tests. Only pupils above the age of 12 have to be tested for Covid-19.

Abu Dhabi's private schools will have a staggered return to the classroom, with most pupils aged between four and 11 returning to in-person lessons on August 30. Pupils in all other years will start face-to-face lessons four weeks later.

PCR nasal swab tests in most screening centres cost about Dh370 per person.

“Arrange for your child to undergo a Covid-19 PCR test prior to the start of the new academic year and share the report with their school. This only applies to those who are aged 12 and above.

“While we encourage the use of the Al Hosn app, this is not mandatory,” the department said on Monday.

“If you’re not in the UAE, plan to return at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the new academic year to meet any requirements of quarantine [or] Covid-19 testing enforced by the UAE Government.”

Parents must also sign a declaration form promising they will not send their child to school if they exhibit any Covid-19 symptoms.

Parents have been waiting to hear about the new guide so here is what you need to know:

Do all pupils have to undergo Covid-19 tests and wear masks at school?

Only pupils over the age of 12 must be tested. Pupils who have special needs will be exempt from Covid-19 tests before they head back to school. All children over the age of six will have to wear a mask.

Children in Kindergarten one and two will not have to wear masks but those in grade one and above must wear masks.

If a child is unable to wear a mask, they may be allowed to wear a face shield after providing a medical certificate.

Teachers of pupils who use hearing impairments may use transparent masks.

Authorities have permitted children to wear gloves but have not recommended it as gloves are less effective than hand washing.

How will schools ensure hygiene and safety?

Toilets and high-contact surfaces such as light switches, handrails and doorknobs will be disinfected every hour.

Schools will also carry out general disinfection once every day and all classrooms will have sanitising wipes, hand sanitiser and covered bins. Schools will have a nurse or registered medical professional and a quarantine room for pupils or staff members.

Can parents drop off and pick up their children from school?

Parents will only be allowed inside the school if their child has special needs but exceptions may be made for younger pupils. However, the parent will need a Covid-19 negative test result within the past 72 hours to enter the school.

Only one parent or guardian will be allowed to accompany children outside the entrance of the school and will be allowed to pick up the child in the designated waiting area. The adult must wear a mask while dropping or picking the pupil. Schools may stagger entry and exit times for to avoid crowds.

What will classes look like?

Classes may be split into two or more groups to ensure social distancing. The child will remain in this group until the end of the regulations.

If your child uses the school bus, they will also be part of a fixed group using the bus.

Some schools may convert non-teaching areas such as gymnasiums and libraries into classrooms and these areas will be separated by a physical barrier and separate entrances and exits.

Classrooms will be organised to ensure pupils maintain a 1.5-metre distance and children will be allocated fixed seats they must use this term.

Younger pupils will be grouped into bubbles of up to 10 children. A bubble is a group of pupils and staff members who spend the entire day together and do not interact with others.

For pupils who have special needs, the school must develop an individual education plan and a risk assessment plan.

What happens if a child feels sick while at school?

If a child feels unwell, they will be moved to the quarantine room and their parent will be contacted immediately to pick up their child from the school. If the child tests positive for Covid-19, the parent has to inform the school.

What about after-school activities?

Physical education classes will remain suspended while virtual alternatives may be available.

The school may reduce the number of cultural activities on offer such as music and art.