Coronavirus: UAE pupils gradually return to public schools as 574 new Covid-19 cases reported

Minister of Education says government-school pupils will resume in-person classes in stages

Parents see off their children off to classes for the first time since March in August 2020. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Naividh Pillai, aged 3, looks a little bewildered as he arrives for his first day at Gems Wellington Academy with sister Alaikha and parents Meera and Deepesh. Antonie Robertson / The National

Gems Wellington Academy in Al Khail opens for the start of the school year. Antonie Robertson/The National

Gems Wellington Academy in Al Khail opens for the start of the school year. Thermal monitors at the entrance scan people for signs of fever or high temperature. Antonie Robertson/The National

Gems Wellington Academy in Al Khail opens for the start of the school year. Antonie Robertson / The National

A pupil wearing a colourful face shield arrives at Horizon International School in Dubai on Sunday. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A mother helps her son sanitise his hands as he arrives at Horizon school. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Children arrive for school at Horizon International School in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Children arrive for school at Horizon International School in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A pupil gets her temperature checked at the entrance of Al Mizhar American Academy. Shruti Jain for The National

Pupils return to Al Mizhar American Academy in Dubai. Shruti Jain for The National

A staff member assists a pupil as Al Mizhar American Academy. Shruti Jain for The National

Tarryn Patel, a homeroom teacher from South Africa, attends to her grade 1 pupil at Al Mizhar American Academy. Shruti Jain for The National

Pupils are spaced apart at the cafetaria at Al Mizhar American Academy. Shruti Jain for The National

Government schools across the UAE began the academic year this week with one in four pupils attending in-person classes.

In two weeks’ time, campus attendance will increase to 50 per cent with the Minister of Education saying there would be a gradual return of all pupils to school.

On Tuesday, Hussain Al Hammadi said pupils who opted for in-person classes would be brought back in stages with 100 per cent attendance planned. He did not give an exact timeline for when this would be achieved.

During the country’s regular media briefing, Mr Al Hammadi thanked teachers and parents for a successful start to a challenging school year.

“The health of our pupils is our top priority and everyone is working towards this amid these exceptional times,” he said.

He said 1.27 million pupils and students would be returning to public and private schools and universities from Sunday.

Their return was organised with safety in mind.

“We have a clear health protocol including temperature checks, physical distancing, disinfection and PCR tests

“School transport is also under strict measures to protect pupils,” he said.

Government schools and universities have adopted a blended learning model with a combination of in-person classes and e-learning.

Similar models are being used by private schools across the country.

He said the ministry would keep reviewing and monitoring the situation and will make changes accordingly.

Mr Al Hammadi called on parents to keep their children informed on the importance of safety measures to protect their health.

His message came as the UAE confirmed 574 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, bringing the country’s total to 70,805.

A further 560 people recovered from the virus, pushing the overall tally to 61,491.

The latest infections were identified after 82,772 tests were conducted. This brought the total number of tests conducted in the UAE since the outbreak to almost 7.2 million.

No patients died from the virus, leaving the country’s death toll at 384.

The number of active cases stands at 8,930. Authorities said the patients were receiving necessary treatment.

Cases have steadily risen over the past few weeks with officials warning against gatherings, even in homes.

On Tuesday, Dr Omar Al Hammadi, spokesman for the UAE’s media briefing, said precautionary measures were not being applied at home.

“We must not forget Covid-19 can spread inside the house the same way it does in public,” he said.

He advised people living with others to isolate themselves should they show symptoms.

“Do not be in close proximity with members of your family until you can determine why you have symptoms.”

If the individual is unable to isolate themselves, they should wear a mask at home.

“Ventilate your houses by opening doors and windows and increasing the air conditioning. Bad circulation can help spread the virus indoors,” he said.

Dr Al Hammadi said visits to elderly members of family and children should be avoided to avoid potentially passing on the virus to more vulnerable people.

“Practise safety measures at home,” he said. The virus “can spread even if you are asymptomatic”.

He also called on parents to monitor their children more closely, now that schools have reopened.

Symptoms are the same in children as in adults but are typically less severe due to their stronger immune systems.

“Parents should monitor their children and check their temperatures regularly. Give them healthy, balanced food and ensure they are up to date on their vaccines to boost their immunity,” he said.

He advised parents not to send their children to school if they are not feeling well and to teach them of the importance of sticking to safety measures.

Covid-19 outbreak in the UAE: