All levels of educational schools, institutes will need to apply the rules.
The details of protocols and guidelines for educational facilities during the pandemic in the UAE will cover national educational establishments, including nurseries, child care centres, public and private schools, training centres and institutes.
During a government briefing on 22 August, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson for the Health Sector said the protocols will be circulated to all educational facilities across the country, and is available for download on the official website of the Ministry of Education.
The protocols explain all precautionary measures to be implemented by educational establishments, to ensure the safe return of students and staff.
Health Sector: The operation protocol of education institutes during the pandemic states the regulations to operate institutes including nurseries & daycare centers, private & public schools and higher education, training centers & institutes. #TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/kOF9CB3D0D
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) August 22, 2021
The protocol will be activated 30 days after the first school day to give all unvaccinated individuals an opportunity to take the vaccine.
During this time, all students will be required to take a PCR test every two weeks.
Once the 30 days has passed, students who are unvaccinated and under the age of 12 and those vaccinated above the age of 12 will have to take one PCR test a month.
Unvaccinated students ages 12 and over will have to undergo a PCR test once a week.
A distance learning option will also be available for all age groups, whether vaccinated or not, and parents are required to download the Al Hosn app for their children to provide proof of their vaccination status and PCR testing records.
The protocols may be subject to updates or changes according to the situation in the country, and health authorities are considering adding new age groups that may be required to be vaccinated in the coming period, Dr. Farida Al Hosan stressed.
She then affirmed the importance of considering the needs of students who are people of determination and dividing them into different groups, while making sure they are concentrated in one particular group.
For exempted individuals, it is vital to attain a Covid-19 vaccine exemption certificate while adhering to safety protocol.
