Pupils in Abu Dhabi will be tested free for Covid-19 before they return to school, the emirate’s private school regulator said.
All children over 12 and staff of schools in the emirate must take a mandatory coronavirus test. Only those with a negative result will be allowed on campus.
Pupils in high school are expected to return to class in late September or early October, under a staggered plan.
Majority of children between four and 11 returned to in-person classes on August 30.
Children with special needs are exempt from taking the test.
Pupils will be tested before they join school and regularly on an ad-hoc basis both on campus and at Abu Dhabi Health Services (Seha) testing facilities, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) told The National.
But parents will not have to bear the cost of the nasal swab tests.
"Parents will not be asked to cover the costs, and further details will be communicated in due course," said a representative of Adek.
"Pupils will be tested regularly, and parents will be informed prior to testing. Should any pupil show any signs or symptoms, they will have to quarantine for 14 days, or present negative Covid-19 test results prior to being allowed back to school.
"PCR testing will be required once before schools reopen for all pupils aged 12 (grade 7/year 8) and above."
Children who have travelled outside the UAE will be required to self quarantine at home for 14 days and can study online.
All families must complete and sign a health declaration form provided by schools that they will not send a child to school if they exhibit any Covid-19 symptoms.
