Sharjah demands negative test before return to classroom
School pupils and staff in Sharjah must undergo a nasal swab test to prove they are negative for Covid-19 before they return to class after the summer.
The emirate’s private school regulator urged head teachers to keep school schedules flexible at the start of term given testing and the wait for results could have an effect.
Testing might “continue at different times during the remainder of the academic year”, officials said.
The decision by Sharjah Private Education Authority is similar to rules set out by Abu
Dhabi’s school authorities last month.
Officials have yet to clarify whether parents must get their children tested before the start of term, or whether they would be tested on school grounds.
Pupils may have to return in groups at different times given that thousands will be tested.
Families who have been overseas must submit a travel declaration form at least 14 days before the first day of term.
Under the authority’s rules, staff members and pupils over the age of six must wear face masks throughout the school day when they return after the summer break.
Staff and pupils in Grade
I and above will have to carry at least two face masks to school every day.
Each school has to create a Covid-19 task force, which will be responsible for handling all emergency health situations.
The teams will also follow up and monitor the implementation of health and safety procedures on school grounds.
Desks should be set at a distance of 1.5 metres and there should be proper signs in corridors and canteens to remind pupils to maintain physical distancing.
School libraries will also enforce staggered entry to pupils to limit the number of children in the library at a given time.