Abu Dhabi begins PCR testing across schools
Trained professionals to administer nasal, saliva tests to students
Trained professionals have started offering routine PCR testing across private and charter schools in Abu Dhabi from yesterday.
Both nasal and saliva-based PCR tests are being offered free of charge under this screening initiative enabled by education sector regulator, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH).
Screening requirements
The school-based tests will allow students physically attending their classes to comply with Covid-19 precautionary measures mandated by the National Crisis, Emergency and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).
The requirements, announced last month, require all aged under four years students to be tested for Covid-19
every month. The tests are also offered free of charge for students across public and private testing centres in Abu Dhabi.
In-school testing, however, aims to make the process easier for the significant number of families that have chosen to send children back to school campuses this term.
Protecting the community
“The number of students returning to physical school across the emirate is high. As
the education sector moves steadily towards full recovery and a return to normality, protecting the health and safety of our school community of students, educators and staff remains our highest priority.
“We continue to work in collaboration with all private and public stakeholders to implement stringent health and safety standards, while also minimising the impact on school operations and safeguarding the continuity of students’ in-school learning,” said Amer Al Hammadi, Adek undersecretary.