COVID-19 rules have been relaxed in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai’s private education authority, announced that pupils do not need to wear their masks outside and that the quarantine of close contacts of cases of COVID-19 has been lifted. Abu Dhabi now requires children under 16 years old in private schools to take a COVID-19 PCR test every 28 days, instead of the previous 14 days rule.
Here is everything you need to know about PCR tests and mask rules for Dubai and Abu Dhabi schools if you are a student or parent.
What are the new COVID-19 rules for Dubai schools?
The following are the updated COVID-19 guidelines for schools in Dubai, as per KHDA
It is no longer necessary to wear a face mask outdoors.
Children and staff who are close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases but do not show symptoms will not be required to quarantine and can continue to attend classes in person.
However, these previous rules will remain in Dubai schools:
– Physical distancing.
– Regular, consistent sensitization.
– Tracing of contacts for COVID-19 positive cases.
– Dubai Government Services’ compliance with safety standards.
– Close contacts can only return to school if they are symptom-free.
– Positive COVID-18 cases must isolate for 10 days.
The validity of PCR tests for students has been extended by Abu Dhabi
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has developed the following COVID-19 guidelines for school children in Abu Dhabi:
– Children under the age of 16 are required to take a PCR test every 28 days
– Students over the age of 16 must take a PCR test every 14 days
– A PCR test is required every seven days for all pupils who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine or have medical exemptions.
– Abu Dhabi requires an Al Hosn Green Pass for entry into schools.
– Masks and quarantine rules for school children in Abu Dhabi have not been announced by ADEK.
In the UAE, masks are no longer mandatory outside as of February 26. National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) made this decision on February 25. NCEMA also announced a number of relaxed COVID-19 rules, including increased operational capacity for events and public areas, the removal of PCR testing for vaccinations for inbound passengers to the UAE, and the end of mandatory quarantine for close contacts of COVID-19.
