Free Covid-19 tests for Abu Dhabi pupils before they return to school

Stephen Haw sees off his sons Hugo, nine and Hector, seven at the gates of Brighton College in Abu Dhabi. All photos by Victor Besa / The National

Johnny Archer, nine and mother, Anna pictured before the start of the school day

A father gives his daughter a final hug before school

Darcey Clement, nine, says goodbye to her dog Bella, before going to class

Eshan Boly, aged nine, in front of Brighton College in Khalifa Park

Children have been at home since March when schools closed

Parents have been preparing their children for the big day, ensuring they have masks and sanitisers and are aware of the need to follow various rules

Parents have been preparing their children for the big day, ensuring they have masks and sanitisers and are aware of the need to follow various rules

Pupils brought their own lunch in cool boxes given that school canteens are closed

Parents see their children off at the school gates

Schools and authorities have implemented a series of guidelines to ensure staff and pupil safety

Parents see their children off at the school gates. Abu Dhabi has a staggered return to the school year

Pupils in Abu Dhabi will be tested free for Covid-19 before they return to school, the emirate’s private school regulator said.

All children over 12 and staff of schools in the emirate must take a mandatory coronavirus test. Only those with a negative result will be allowed on campus.

Pupils in high school are expected to return to class in late September or early October, under a staggered plan.

Majority of children between four and 11 returned to in-person classes on August 30.

Children with special needs are exempt from taking the test.

Pupils will be tested before they join school and regularly on an ad-hoc basis both on campus and at Abu Dhabi Health Services (Seha) testing facilities, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) told The National.

But parents will not have to bear the cost of the nasal swab tests.

"Parents will not be asked to cover the costs, and further details will be communicated in due course," said a representative of Adek.

"Pupils will be tested regularly, and parents will be informed prior to testing. Should any pupil show any signs or symptoms, they will have to quarantine for 14 days, or present negative Covid-19 test results prior to being allowed back to school.

"PCR testing will be required once before schools reopen for all pupils aged 12 (grade 7/year 8) and above."

Children who have travelled outside the UAE will be required to self quarantine at home for 14 days and can study online.

All families must complete and sign a health declaration form provided by schools that they will not send a child to school if they exhibit any Covid-19 symptoms.