Coronavirus: Abu Dhabi private school pupils to be tested before January return

Details about the testing process and frequency will be announced later

First day back to classes at British School Al Khubairat. Victor Besa / The National

First day back to classes at British School Al Khubairat. School traffic regulations are explained. Victor Besa / The National

Secondary level pupils on their first day back to classes on the reopening of British School Al Khubairat. Victor Besa / The National

Secondary grade pupils are returning to class at the British School Al Khubairat throughout the week. Victor Besa / The National

The students are given a Covid-19 campus traffic rules tour by the teachers. Victor Besa / The National

First day back to classes on the reopening of British School Al Khubairat, Victor Besa / The National

The students are given a Covid-19 campus traffic rules tour by the teachers. Victor Besa / The National

A socially distanced study area for the students. Victor Besa / The National

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Pupils at private schools in Abu Dhabi who will return to school in January must take Covid-19 tests before resuming classes.

All pupils aged 12 and above will have to take the tests, but details of when and where these tests will be done have not yet been announced.

The test requirement comes after moves to allow all pupils to return to in-person classes for the new academic term starting January 3.

The Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek), the emirate's private schools regulator, has also given parents two weeks from the start of term to decide whether to continue with in-person classes or switch back to online.

"Adek is working closely with relevant health authorities to co-ordinate health tests for students in cycle two and three ahead of their return to school," Adek said.

"Details about the testing process and frequency will be announced in due course.

"Adek will continue its intensive inspection visits to all schools in the emirate to ensure ongoing compliance with strict health and safety standards detailed in reopening guidelines."

Pupils in years seven to nine – or from about the age of 11 to 14 – will be the last batch to return to face-to-face classes.

They have studied at home since schools closed in March to limit the spread of Covid-19.

Most others returned in a staggered plan that began in August.