UAE schools have reopened, with strict Covid protocols in place. Various precautions have been put in place for schools across emirates. Abu Dhabi conducted 56,000 tests in the back-to-school safety drive. The mega campaign is targeted at 449 government and private schools and 25 colleges and universities.
Pupils aged between four and 11 were back in school for the new academic year. However, turned out that majority of the parents who had kids going to The Model School Abu Dhabi, had opted for distance learning.
Only 11 Out Of 5,100 Students Returned To School
Initially 40 families opted for in-class learning. The school had planned a staggered entry for students and was expecting about 18 students in Grades 3 and 4 on 30 August. However, only 11 students came to school, with the remaining options for distance learning. The school is expecting about 22 kids on campus, from the kindergarten level to Grade 2, on 31 August. However, it remains unclear how many will actually make it to the school.
The popular Indian curriculum school has put in place strict measures-from thermal checks to physical distancing within the campus. “There are high operational costs for us to operate the school, but we will continue to offer on-campus learning in accordance with guidelines by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge,” principal, Dr Abdulkader told the Gulf News.
The school has isolation and quarantine rooms, a clinic, two nurses, and a doctor on call. All 350 staff members, were also screened prior to reopening.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) has stated only children aged 12 and over require a Covid-19 test before going back to classes.
Protocols For Reopening Of Private Schools In Abu Dhabi
Covid Test
A mandatory covid test will be conducted for all staff including teachers, and students above the age of 12. Daily temperature checks will be done for all staff and students. Meanwhile, here are the protocols for Dubai schools.
Social Distancing
All those inside the campus must maintain 1.5 metres distance. the number of students in each class would be limited to 15. Kids will be given alternate break times to encourage physical distancing and avoid crowding. Check out how restaurants around the world are following social distancing.
Masks
All teachers and students above the age of six must wear masks while at school.