Abu Dhabi schools to extend distance learning for a week

The move is in line with efforts to limit the spread of Covid-19

Hundreds of school pupils aged 12 years and above, including university students, will receive Covid-19 vaccinations ahead of the new academic year.

The pop-up vaccination centre is open daily from12pm 8pm until August 7.

Bookings are not required, but students must present their Emirates ID card and Al Hosn app.

Adek is collaborating with the Department of Health Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, Mubadala Health and Yas Mall to organise the pop-up vaccinations.

Pupils 12 years and older who choose in-school learning for the new term are encouraged to receive a vaccination against coronavirus infection.

Pupils in Abu Dhabi have been quick to respond to a new pop-up vaccination centre at Yas Mall.

Distance learning at Abu Dhabi’s public and private schools will continue for another week, authorities said on Wednesday.

Children were due to return to classrooms on Monday, January 17, after adopting remote teaching for the first two weeks of term to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

But case numbers have risen sharply in the UAE in the past few weeks.

Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee approved the extension.

It said the decision had been made to “enable all education facilities to be fully prepared for a safe return for students”.

“The decision applies to all public and private schools in the emirate, as well as universities, colleges and training institutes,” the authority said.

On Monday, Abu Dhabi’s private education regulator polled parents on the prospect of continuing remote learning “for the next few weeks”.

Options included distance learning, an alternating week mode – one week at school, one week at home – a staggered return of age groups and a full return to classrooms.

Authorities earlier confirmed that distance learning would be extended for a week at universities and government schools.

In the country’s weekly coronavirus briefing, education spokesman Hazza Al Mansouri said pupils would continue to study remotely for the week ending on Friday, January 21.