Coronavirus: Safety measures for UAE school buses revealed

Wearing of face masks and temperature checks will be mandatory for pupils and staff

Wearing face masks will be mandatory on school buses. Courtesy: STS

Mandatory use of face masks, temperature checks and physical distancing are some of the measures school buses will have in place once classes resume across the UAE in a few weeks.

On Sunday, School Transport Services, one of the UAE’s largest school transport companies, said it would also ensure buses are sanitised before and after each journey.

The company has a fleet of more than 2,500 buses in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Dubai. More than 80,000 pupils use its buses each day during a regular academic year.

“In these challenging times, there is a renewed focus on the safety aspect of our operations, and we have added a comprehensive list of Covid-19 related safety requirements for our student school bus services,” said Steve Burnell, managing director of STS.

“The new protocols, which is in line with the relevant authorities’ requirements, addresses pupils, our buses, our drivers and bus guardians and our entire fleet operation.

“We make sure that all of our people are well trained and familiar with the new situation and the latest safety protocols.”

He said the new measures would ensure the buses would be the safest way to travel to and from school.

Thomas Edelmann, managing director of Road Safety UAE, welcomed the new measures, as pupils prepare to return to the classroom for the first time since March.

“Covid-19 brings a lot of change to society and certainly parents want to have the extra reassurance that their children are being transported in the safest way there is,” he said.

A glimpse inside a Dubai school's Covid-19 safety measures:

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  ‘We Miss You’ banner posted on the boundary wall of the building. Pupils are being welcomed back after more than five months.

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  The Dubai British School in Jumeirah Park will welcome back 1,230 pupils on August 30. 'The National' takes a look at the Covid-19 precautionary measures taken to ensure staff and pupil safety. Campuses are beign reopened after more than five months of closure. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National

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  The entrance of the school will soon include thermal scanners. There are dedicated entry and exit points for primary and secondary sections.

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  Storage units have been placed at a distance to prevent gathering.

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  Tables in the canteen area are distanced by two metres.

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  Markings have been placed in hallways throughout the school to encourage social distancing.

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  A total of 130 automatic hand sanitisers have been fitted across the school.

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  Desks inside classrooms have been distanced and only two pupils per table will be allowed.

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  Posters promoting good hygiene are placed in hallways and different areas of the school.

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  Partitions are placed in Year 1 classrooms.