Thousands of teachers and other staff at Sharjah’s private schools are undergoing Covid-19 tests in preparation for the new term.
Sharjah Private Education Authority said about 17,000 people will have been tested by the end of the week.
Schools were given the green light to reopen, subject to strict guidelines designed to protect public health and stop the spread of Covid-19.
Pupils over the age of 12 will also undergo coronavirus tests next week.
-
A cheerful sign at the entrance to Dubai British School. Staff are preparing to welcome pupils back in late August. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National -
Partitions can be used to separate pupils in classes -
Pupils in schools across the country will wear masks throughout the day to prevent the spread of germs -
Schools are working on separate entrances and exits to reduce crowds of pupils -
Desks are clearly spread apart and numbers are limited -
Staff installed about 130 hand sanitiser units at Dubai British School -
Similar to in malls, markers are used to ensure pupils are spread out if in queues -
Tables in the school canteen are spread out and have just two chairs on each -
The school day will look a little different than before but will allow for face to face lessons for the first time in months -
Pupils leave their bags in cupboards as part of efforts to stop germs from being spread around the school -
The entrance to the auditorium at the Dubai British School. Pawan Singh / The National -
Outside view of the Dubai British School in Jumeirah Park in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
The screening is being carried out in co-operation with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and according to a schedule set by SPEA.
“This comes in line with SPEA’s strategy to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all pupils and staff and in accordance with UAE’s precautionary measures,” said SPEA’s director, Ali Al Hosani.
The authority has also set down a series of guidelines governing the reopening of schools in the emirate.
Rules will ensure face masks are worn and physical distancing is practised inside classrooms, and will prevent crowds from gathering.
Schools are also advised to create Covid-19 task forces responsible for overseeing the precautionary measures.
Across the UAE, schools are getting ready to reopen on August 30, with safety rules varying from emirate to emirate.
But it was confirmed during the week that children across the country can continue with online learning for the first term if their parents wish them to do so.
The Ministry of Education said the move was to protect the health of staff and pupils.
