Over the past few weeks, schools in UAE have announced the mode of education for the upcoming term. Precautions and guidelines are put in place ahead of the reopening. Here’s everything you need to know.
Dubai Schools
Students in Dubai can return to school for the next academic year. However, Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), has also allowed to schools to provide 100% online learning for parents who are not comfortable sending their kids to school. This will however only be a ‘temporary measure’.
KHDA in a recent circular said that face-to-face learning is the preferred model of education. However, the education authority also understands that parents have different views, especially in the first phases of re-opening. In order to bridge the gap, KHDA announced that schools can and should provide 100% distance learning to parents who request it. Dubai Schools Reopen In September: Are Parents Ready To Send Their Kids Back To School?
Protocols For Reopening Of Private Schools In Dubai
1. A health and safety designated staff should be identified and assigned to handle any emergency situation, follow up and monitor the implementation of health and safety procedures, and conduct all necessary trainings for students and staff. This person is also responsible for the designated isolation room within the school premises. On another note, here’s how Restaurants Around The World Are Getting Social Distancing Right.
2. If a stable case of illness is detected amongst visitors or staff presenting COVID-19 symptoms, DHA hotline number 800342 should be contacted immediately.
3. If a child/teacher/staff begins to show symptoms of COVID-19 while at school, they must get isolated instantly, and the parent/ guardian of the child to be notified immediately and the patient should be referred to the hospital to take the necessary action. If the result is negative and there is a clinical assessment of a probable COVID-19 case, the patient should complete a 14-day quarantine. If the result is negative and there is no clinical assessment for a probable case, the child can resume schooling so long as they are symptom-free. Meanwhile, check out how UAE Salons Use Unique ‘Box’ Technique To Ensure Hygiene.
4. If the result is positive, the traced contacts of the patient, including teachers along with the classmates of a student, or colleagues are all considered close contacts (Anyone who spent more than 15 minutes in a proximity of 2 metres with the positive case, from the day of symptoms onset, or the day of the positive PCR test). They should all commence the 14-day quarantine counted PCR from the day of the positive test, or from the day of the onset of symptoms if ascertained by the clinician.
5. Measures for disinfection should be taken as per the guidelines, for the classroom and the school premises used by the child as traced, and the holding isolation room where the staff and students will wait for their transportation.
KHDA released a total of 118 guidelines. Find the detailed list here.
Abu Dhabi Schools
Abu Dhabi schools have given parents the option to pick from 5 modes of learning:
1. Full day face-to-face
2. Half-day face-to-face
3. Alternating day
4. Alternating week
5. A blended hybrid model
On July 21, 2020, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge [Adek] announced that schools will resume on-campus learning from August 30. On 16 August a list of rules and regulations were released for the same. While schools can opt for any mode of learning, those choosing on-campus learning must adhere to the following rules. On another note, This Student Cycled 3218 Km In 48 Days To Reunite With His Family In Greece.
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.
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.
Masks
All teachers and students above the age of six must wear masks while at school.
Adek field visits
In case any student exhibits Covid-like symptoms, he/she will be immediately moved to the school isolation room and parents will be contacted immediately. Only the school medical staff are permitted to enter the isolation room wearing full PPE kit.