Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

Aya El Deeb, Staff Reporter

The Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi (ADEK) affirmed that students must submit a negative COVID-19 test result, valid for 96 hours when entering the school on the first day of the third term.

The department also indicated that 47 medical centres in the emirate will provide free PCR test through saliva for students under 12.

As many as 26 centres are in Abu Dhabi city, including 6 centres affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company “SEHA” for testing from vehicle, 13 centres in Al Ain, 4 of which are affiliated with “SEHA,” and 8 centres in Al Dhafra region.

The department clarified schools will resume work with full capacity, explaining that students aged 16 and over, teachers, vaccinated and exempted employees must present a negative Covid-19 test result every 14 days and highlight the green pass system through Al Hosn app, to be able to enter the school.

Regarding students under 16, they must have the test every 30 days, while students aged 16 and over who are not vaccinated can return to classes provided that they submit a negative test result every seven days.

ADEK also affirmed that school visitors can enter according to the application of the green pass system, pointing out that unvaccinated visitors can enter schools provided they submit a negative PCR test result of at least 48 hours.

According to the new updates, physical distancing in closed areas and inside classrooms is cancelled with the beginning of the third term, but it is still mandatory to wear masks in closed places, with the exception of kindergarten students.

ADEK affirmed that students, teachers and staff in contact with positive have to be examined on the first and seventh day or when symptoms appear on them.

In case positive cases are found in a school, the school will not close unless the infections amount to 15% of the total number of persons in it.

In this case the school must close only for 3 days, and students who do not show any symptoms can return to the classroom after the closure period, with the need to the application of the examination system decided for contacts.

The infected students continue to study remotely until the completion of the isolation procedures decided by health government institutions.