Abu Dhabi schools: staff and pupils 12 and above must have Covid-19 test every two weeks

The emirate's private schools' regulator also says unvaccinated children who are 16 and over will have to opt for remote learning

Georgia Andrews, 16, gets a PCR test at the Biogenix lab at G42 in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.

Imogen, 18, and Georgia, 16, left, both pupils at Cranleigh School, Abu Dhabi, wait to get tested at the Biogenix lab at G42 in Masdar City.

Mohammed Almansoori gets his PCR test at the Biogenix lab at G42 in Masdar City.

A little girl waits patiently for her turn to be saliva tested at the Biogenix lab in Masdar City.

Omar Al Mulla, 3, gives a saliva sample.

A mother takes her children, Ryan Al Mulla, 6, and Omar, 3, to have a saliva test at the Biogenix lab at G42 in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi.

Private school pupils in Abu Dhabi who are 12 years and above must take a PCR test every two weeks to return to school.

The new rules were included in a guide for parents issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, the emirate's private school regulator, ahead of the new academic year.

“We are committed to the health and safety of our school community,” the guide said.

“Therefore, to identify any infections in a timely manner, all pupils aged 12 and above, teachers and staff will be tested every two weeks.”

Pupils, aged over 12, and staff will also have to undergo PCR tests within a 96 hour period of returning from school holidays, including Eid, winter, summer and spring breaks.

“Any changes and updates on required testing may change based on the health situation and will be communicated to you through your children’s school,” the guide said.

“Please stay in touch with your child’s school to have him/her take the PCR test on the designated date to ensure that your child is allowed on the school premises.”

Children between the age of 3 and 15 years do not have to be vaccinated to return to school.

But pupils aged 16, or over, must be vaccinated to enter school premises and have their status confirmed on the Al Hosn app.

“If your child turns 16 during the academic year, they are required to take the first dose of the vaccine within four weeks of turning 16 and they must complete their second dose on time,” the guide said.

If parents decide not to vaccinate their children, and they are aged 16 or over, they will have to learn remotely.

The guide also states while schools have the option not to offer distance learning, they must provide it for children with medical conditions who are at risk of contracting the virus.

Pupils aged 16 or over who are not vaccinated must also be provided with remote learning options.

Hundreds of Abu Dhabi pupils vaccinated at pop-up centre at Yas Mall