Abu Dhabi private school pupils aged 12 and over to undergo fortnightly Covid-19 tests

All Abu Dhabi private school pupils aged 12 and over who have chosen face-to-face learning will need to undergo Covid-19 swab tests every 14 days, under new regulations issued by the Department of Education and Knowledge.

Abu Dhabi’s private education regulator also instructed teachers and staff to undergo swab tests every two weeks, in order to be permitted on school premises.

Swab tests will be provided free of charge on specific dates for each school, at designated screening centres.

Pupils with special needs are exempt.

Teachers and pupils should present a valid Emirates ID and a dedicated school code at the testing centre.

Students aged 12 years and above have already had to present a negative 96-hour valid Covid-19 PCR test result to enter school on their first day back.

Last week, Adek announced that teachers, staff and pupils at private schools in Abu Dhabi would need to undergo mandatory periodic PCR tests as part of Covid-19 safety measures to return to classrooms. This latest announcement confirms the timing of the tests.

Students in Years 7 to 9 started back at Abu Dhabi schools last week, after nearly a year of home learning. Pupils aged between 11 and 14 described their joy at being reunited with their school friends.

On Saturday, Adek said regular inspections would be carried out at private schools and nurseries in Abu Dhabi to ensure they comply with Covid-19 safety measures.

Schools and nurseries found flouting the rules face stiff penalties of between Dh10,000 to Dh250,000 in fines, depending on the offence.

Abu Dhabi teachers receive the Covid-19 vaccine