UAE Students Over 12 Must Get PCR Test Weekly
Unvaccinated students aged 12 and above will be required to undergo weekly PCR testing for the new academic year according to a health sector's spokesperson. The rules are thought to be for Abu Dhabi students only.
Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the Health Sector and Executive Director Communicable Diseases, ADPHC, made the announcement during a media briefing held on Sunday.
Children under the age of 12 and vaccinated pupils aged 12 and above will still need to take PCR tests, but on a monthly basis, she said.
The new rules will be applied 30 days from the first day of school, in order to give unvaccinated students an opportunity to get vaccinated. Until the protocols come into effect, pupils will have to get tested every two weeks.
Parents have been advised to download the Al Hosn app for their children in order to present proof of vaccination and PCR testing.
According to the new protocols, a social distance of one meter will be mandatory for all educational facilities to follow.
Those who have been excused from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine must present official documentation of the exemption.
Dr. Farida clarified that distance learning will still be made available to both vaccinated and unvaccinated students.
The new rules stipulate that students must have their own protective gear and equipment since sharing is strictly prohibited. Pupils have also been urged to avoid shaking hands when greeting classmates.
Dr. Farida Al Hosani also revealed that 86 per cent of the UAE's academic staff have received the COVID-19 vaccine, and 84 per cent of administrative staff.
