Covid-19: unvaccinated Dubai school staff to undergo weekly PCR tests from Sunday

Staff not eligible for the vaccine or who have had their first dose will be exempt from testing

Thousands of teachers and staff working at private schools in Dubai were tested for Covid-19 before the start of the academic year. Courtesy: Dubai Health Authority

Teachers and staff at schools in Dubai who are eligible for a vaccine but have chosen not to take it will need to take weekly PCR tests starting April 11.

The decision will affect staff at all private education institutes in Dubai, including early learning centres, schools, universities and training institutes, according to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the emirate's education regulator.

Teachers, support and outsourced staff and casual or part-time staff will be affected by the announcement.

Unvaccinated staff will need to take a weekly Covid-19 test, irrespective of whether they are working remotely or from the education institute's premises.

Teachers and staff do not need to take a PCR test while away on holiday.

Staff who are not eligible for the vaccine, or who have had their first dose, will be exempt from the weekly testing.

Any staff members who have symptoms of Covid-19 must also be tested.

Sharjah's private schools will reopen for in-person classes on April 11.

Pupils will be able to return to school after receiving a negative PCR test result.

The emirate's emergency, crisis and disaster management team and the Sharjah Private Education Authority announced that pupils would return to classrooms starting next Sunday, amid strict Covid-19 safety measures.

Dubai residents receive Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine – in pictures

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  A Dubai ambulance worker is vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine in Dubai.

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  An older resident receives her first shot at Zabeel Health Centre on December 27, 2020.

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  The vaccine is expected to be rolled out to all age groups once people in the essential categories have been vaccinated.

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  A nurse holds a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was approved for use by Dubai's emergency and crisis authority and the federal Ministry of Health.

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  An employee from Roads and Transport Authority receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in Dubai.

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  A woman receives a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at Zabeel Health Centre in Dubai on 27 December, 2020.

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  The city has six vaccine centres where the Pfizer-BioNTech shot is available.

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  A man waits to receive the first of two doses at Zabeel Health Centre in Dubai on 27 December, 2020.

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  A nurse opens a freezer at Barsha Health Centre. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be kept at minus 70C when transported.

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  A nurse opens a freezer at Barsha Health Centre. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine must be kept at minus 70C when transported.

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  A vial of the vaccine is seen at Barsha Health Centre. AFP

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  A nurse prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at al-Barsha Health Centre in Dubai. AFP