Covid-19: Dubai’s KHDA issues updated protocols for students returning to campus

Students who are returning to campus across private schools in Dubai and are above the age of 16, are not mandated to take the Covid-19 vaccine, the emirate’s education regulator Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has said.

Students who do not wish to receive the jab are not obliged to submit a negative Covid-19 PCR test as well, KHDA said, in an update on its website regarding protocols for reopening of private schools across Dubai.

“Vaccination is not compulsory. Eligible school staff who do not wish to have the vaccine must submit a negative PCR test each week. Students [older than 16] are not obliged to submit negative PCR tests,” KHDA said.

No specific instructions regarding vaccinations or negative PCR tests for children below the age of 12 were stipulated.

Meanwhile, all students must be back at school for face-to-face learning by October 3, except in exceptional circumstances, it added.

“From October 3rd 2021, all teaching and learning at Dubai private schools will be face-to-face only. After this date, students who wish to continue with distance learning must provide a medical certificate issued by Dubai Health Authority. Class groups or grade/year levels may temporarily switch to distance learning if positive cases of Covid-19 are detected,” KHDA noted.

In the new academic year, we’ll be #TogetherAgainDubai! Schools will be offering full-time face-to-face learning, including sports, events and excursions. Parents will have the choice of continuing with distance learning until October 3. More info: https://t.co/RJ0kN86q2y pic.twitter.com/Ew782X1QbV

— KHDA (@KHDA) August 23, 2021

Read: Dubai private schools to end all distance learning by October 3

The regulator added that activities such as swimming and sports lessons, school trips, excursions and camps, after-hours extra-curricular activities, performances, assemblies and other events at school or at an external venue may resume, provided that they comply with health and safety protocols.

“We continue to live in uncertain times, and the relaxation in restrictions is a privilege. To continue to enjoy these freedoms throughout the academic year, it is crucial that students, parents and school staff fully comply with the protocols at all times,” KHDA advised.

According to the directive, one-metre distancing is recommended, while schools must take appropriate precautions to ensure that students and teachers stay physically distanced where possible.

Meanwhile, students older than six years, staff and visitors to schools must continue to wear face masks.

Regarding transportation, buses may also run at fully capacity, provided they comply with health and safety protocols around sanitisation and ventilation, among others, KHDA advised.