The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

Students aged 12 years and above who plan to physically attend school next term are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to attending face-to-face classes.

COVID-19 PCR testing is also mandatory for teachers and school staff, announced the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) on Monday.

The decision is the result of Adek’s extensive coordination with health authorities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to ensure a safe return to school for all, following the Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee’s announcement last month in collaboration with Adek, which stated that all private school students in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi will have the option to return to face-to-face education for the next academic term, beginning on Jan.3, 2021.

Students of Determination and full time distance learning students are exempt from taking the test.

COVID-19 PCR tests will be provided free of charge on a specific date for each school till Dec.31, at designated Seha screening centres. Adek has already sent Private and Charter schools across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi a PCR testing schedule in order to ensure students, teachers and staff avail the free Covid-19 PCR test on time.

The schedule is also available on Adek’s website.

To avail the free test, a valid Emirates ID and a dedicated school code must be presented at the testing center. Parents may contact schools to obtain the code, location, time and date details as per the schedule provided by Adek.

Students, teachers and staff who choose to take the PCR test at an alternative date or location may do so at a private or public healthcare facility at their own expense, in which case the PCR test must be taken after Dec.21.

Periodic testing will continue for teachers and school staff. A schedule for those tests with location, date and timing details will be shared with schools in due course.
Last month, Adek announced that all private school students in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi will have the option to return to in-classroom education for the new academic term, which starts on Jan.3, 2021. ADEK’s decision is in line with Department’s mission to provide education with the highest health and safety standards.