Private schools in the UAE are offering remote learning options to students who test positive for Covid-19, in an effort to ensure that students are on track with their studies for the remainder of the current school year.
Earlier this year, in April, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), had announced that students in private and charter schools should return to on-site learning for the new term, which commenced on April 11.
According to Adek, students who presented a high-risk medical report, and students displaying symptoms of Covid-19 were exempted from attending school in person.
The principal of Abu Dhabi Indian School, Neeraj Bhargava, stated that almost 40 students and 20 members of staff had tested positive for Covid recently. He added that the school was offering remote learning options to students to enable them to attend classes from home.
He also said that students and members of staff who have tested positive will only be allowed back to the campus if they present a negative Covid-19 test result. Bhargava stated that students in grades 10 and 11 are scheduled to complete their CBSE exams on June 15, and the summer holidays for the rest of the students would commence on July 1.
UAE schools take precautionary measures
Recently, the UAE had reported an increase in the number of positive cases since the beginning of June. Almost 1,249 confirmed cases were reported by the Ministry of Health and Prevention on June 12.
Bhargava said that due to the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in the UAE, the school has complied with precautionary measures in an effort to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The Principal of Mayoor School in Abu Dhabi, Anna Pagdiwalla, stated that students who test positive for Covid-19 will be provided with sufficient support for daily learning, using remote learning options.
School principals in Abu Dhabi have cautioned parents against sending students to school if they display any symptoms of the Covid-19 virus.
In addition to these precautions, schools will conduct routine Covid PCR tests for students and staff in compliance with directives from Adek.
According to the directives, students, teachers, and staff who come in close contact with a confirmed positive case must test on days one and seven or when they start showing symptoms.