KEY FACTS OF SCHOOL REOPENING
Physical distancing requirement reduced from 1.5 metre between individuals to one metre. This helps increase school capacity from
30 per cent last term to 70 per cent
Resumption of physical education classes, live cooking, canteen services, prayer rooms
Bus capacity increased from 60 per cent last term to 75 per cent
100 per cent of staff attending school physically are vaccinated against Covid-19, compared to 90 per cent last term
84% of students aged 16 years and older are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. 52% of students aged 12-15 years are vaccinated. Also, 12% of children aged less than 12 are vaccinated School staff and students grouped into microbubbles of individuals who practise physical distancing and do not mingle with other microbubbles. Children aged 16 years and more must be fully vaccinated to attend classes in school, or opt for distance learning. Arrangements also in place for those in distance learning to attend high-stakes exams in school
Vaccine boosters required six months after completing second dose of one vaccine NCEMA PCR testing requirements apply to children attending school in person: 96-hour valid negative test after major holidays, testing every 14 days for the first month. Thereafter, test every month for children aged less than 12, and those who are 12 or more but vaccinated. Unvaccinated students aged at least 12 years must test every week. Saliva tests accepted for children less than 12, nasopharyngeal swab PCR for older children
Schools to offer follow-up PCR tests on campus from Sep. 7 onwards
Fewer shifts to distance learning expected for students physically attending school Schools allowed to choose from a range of reopening models, but must provide distance learning for children physically unable to attend school due to medical reasons or incomplete vaccinations Live tracking of Covid-19 cases and contacts in school, and identification of Covid-19 hotspots for proactive responses, including shifts to distance learning if required Schools to meet health and safety criteria before being allowed to reopen, and submit daily compliance self-checks. Also routine compliance visits by Adek through the term Penalty system for noncompliant schools includes warnings, and fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh250,000