PCR test rules updated as pupils prepare for holidays

Many families from throughout the UAE will travel next week for the first Eid Al Fitr break since 2020 without Covid-19 restrictions.

On their return to class, private school pupils in Dubai will not be asked to undergo coronavirus testing, even if they have travelled outside the country.

The Knowledge and Development Authority’s updated guidelines say there are no testing requirements.

However, caution is advised when travelling abroad in general. Any child showing symptoms of Covid-19 should stay off school and take a PCR test.

In Abu Dhabi, there is no mandatory return to class testing, but pupils and staff still need to maintain the green status on their Al Hosn smartphone app.

The green pass will stay green for 14 days after a negative test for vaccinated pupils aged 16 and older, teachers and staff.

For under-16s, the green status is preserved for 30 days after a negative test.

“All students must be free of any Covid-19-related symptoms and maintain their green status on the Al Hosn app in accordance with their age category,” guidance from Abu Dhabi’s Department of Education and Knowledge said on Wednesday.

The other five emirates have not yet announced their plans for pupils returning from travel abroad.

When schools and universities reopen after the Eid Al Fitr break, all pupils and students will be attending in person after two years of disruption caused by the coronavirus crisis.

Thousands of pupils at Abu Dhabi’s private and charter schools were already back in the classroom this month, many attending face-to-face lessons for the first time in two years.

Physical distancing measures in indoor areas were removed and unvaccinated pupils aged 16 and older could return to school but had to provide a negative PCR test result every week.

Meanwhile, pupils and teachers who are close contacts of a Covid-19 case will have to take tests on days one and seven.