Students in Abu Dhabi schools must return to in-classroom learning for the new school term. Additionally, physical distancing rules will now be optional indoors and outdoors, according to a circular from The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).
The Abu Dhabi COVID-19 school update applies to all private and charter schools in Abu Dhabi, according to ADEK’s circular. But, there are some exceptions.
All students must return to in-classroom learning except those who present an attested “high risk” medical report confirming their inability to attend class in-person and students showing COVID-19 symptoms.
Virtual learning will only apply to students with medical conditions classified as high risk and for students showing COVID-19 symptoms.
Last week, the authorities removed physical distancing requirements in outdoor open areas for the current academic year. Now, schools have the option of setting indoor and outdoor physical distancing rules for the new academic term.
Abu Dhabi schools will be given the option to lift physical distancing requirements in classrooms.
Curious about mask policies in schools? Students of grades one to 12 will be required to wear face masks.
You might also like: UAE COVID update: A guide to the new protocols and face masks
Wondering about PCR testing in Abu Dhabi school? While unvaccinated students aged 16 or older can return to school, they must provide a negative PCR test result every seven days. Additionally, all vaccinated and unvaccinated students will need to provide a 96-hours negative PCR test result on the first day of school.
Faculty and students over 16 years old in Abu Dhabi school will need to test for COVID every 14 days so that the status of their Al Hosn app remains green. For students below 16 years old, the app remains green for 30 days.
Students, teachers and any other faculty members who come in close contact with a confirmed positive case will need to test on the first and seventh day, or when they start showing symptoms.
ADEK will also continue to send its inspection and compliance teams for regular visits to private and charter schools in Abu Dhabi to ensure the health and safety of all students.
Al Hosn green pass requirements will apply to all school visitors, except unvaccinated visitors who will need to present a 48-hour negative PCR test result upon entry.
In case of 15 percent of a school’s student body testing positive simultaneously, a school closure will take place for three days. In these cases distance learning will be offered.
Looking for more Abu Dhabi COVID-19 updates?
Travel update
The latest on PCR requirements and updates land port entry rules.
Read more here.
Where to get vaccinated in the UAE
See our full guide of where to get the COVID-19 vaccine and booster jabs.
Read more here.
UAE restaurant capacity update
Eateries can now return to full capacity.
Read more here.
