Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Aya Al Deeb, Staff Reporter

The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) in Abu Dhabi has made social distancing and wearing masks optional at Abu Dhabi schools.

According to circular sent to Abu Dhabi private schools Adek has also allowed schools trips while adhering to the precautionary measures applied at the destinations to which trips are organised.

New measures will also be applied to all the nurseries in Abu Dhabi.

ADEK in coordination with the Emergency and Crisis Management Committee (NCEMA) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi has adopted the new measure in the light of the improved health situation in the Emirate.

New measures enhance students' and parents' confidence in the school community.

School are also allowed to resume all sports activities for students of all ages with the application of risk reduction standards.

Organising events and activities at school level is also allowed, with a capacity not exceeding 90% with the necessity to apply the approved entry procedures.

The capacity of school buses is raised to 100%.

According to the circular, the quarantine of students, teachers and employees who come contact of a corona patient is also cancelled.

The below 18-year-old students have do PCR test on the first and fourth day if they come in contact with a COVID-19 patient.

However, teachers, staff and students above 18 are obligated to conduct PCR tests every day for a period of 5 days after coming in contact a virus-hit person.