'Distance learning is not a holiday': Parents urged not to take children to crowded places

Shift to online learning should not be treated as a break from rules while cases remain high, medics and teachers say

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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.

Medics and school principals are urging parents and youngsters to avoid crowded public places where possible.

With many schools shifting to online learning in the UAE as cases of Covid-19 remain high, experts said parents should not consider the move as an extension of summer holidays.

Dr Ammar Al Hakim of Sheikh Khalifa Medical City hospital in Ajman, cautioned parents against taking children to malls, beaches or any other public places.

By the time a child shows symptoms, he or she could have infected many others, the doctor said.

"Parents need to understand that a shift to online learning is not a holiday, it is self-isolation and they need to adhere to that," Dr Al Hakim said.

Kids can be like machine guns spreading infections all over the place

The disease is less severe among minors, and some children carrying the virus don’t show symptoms, he said.

“If carrying the virus, children can be like machineguns – spreading infections all over the place with one cough launching millions [of virus particles] in the air,” he said.

“It's like a vicious circle. Children pick it up from school or home, then take it to school personnel and classmates or to family members who in their turn carry it [to their] home, school or work.”

Understanding this cycle explains the importance of the decision to halt face-to-face classes, Dr Al Hakim said.

Cases across the UAE have remained high since December. The country recorded a slight fall on Monday with 3,123 infections confirmed – down from 3,167 the day before. Thirteen patients died as the toll in the Emirates rose to 1,027. In the past week, 97 people succumbed to the illness.

Teachers shared similar advice and urged people to stay out of crowded places if possible with the situation remaining concerning.

All schools in Ajman have moved to online learning. Victor Besa / The National

"If you have to go out, do everything you can to protect yourself and others," said Suzanne Watson, principal at Ajman Modern School, which has 400 pupils and staff that commute  from four emirates.

"Stay out of public areas and, when you have to be in a public place, follow all the precautions, wear masks and sanitise your hands," said Ms Watson.

She said many people got careless over the December break, and only a community approach would cut the number of coronavirus cases.

"People got tired of being careful and wanted to celebrate but we are paying the price for that now," she said.

"It is important that we make sure we follow all protocols and do everything to protect ourselves and others."

The principal said there was some confusion in the minds of parents about  Covid-19, as children under a certain age were not required to wear masks or take swab tests.

She said some misinformed parents thought children were immune, and therefore did not need to wear a mask.

"Children can spread the virus even if they are asymptomatic."

Pupils in Dubai’s private schools have been back in class for in-person lessons since September.

Children at Abu Dhabi's private schools returned to classes on Sunday after studying remotely for six weeks at the start of term.

Schools across the Northern Emirates have returned to online learning following a rise of Covid-19 cases in the UAE.

Recently, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Dubai's private education regulator, urged teachers in Dubai to avoid parties following the recent surge in Covid-19 cases.

Abu Dhabi schools return to classes

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  Pupils at Gems United Indian School return to class on January 2 after the winter break. All pictures by Victor Besa / The National

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  A parent brings his daughter at Gems United Indian School as private schools in the capital reopen

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  Pupils wait in line before entering their school

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  A father drops off his daughter at Gems United Indian School

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  Safety measures are in place as schools open their doors in Abu Dhabi

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  Pupils return to Gems United Indian School

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  Pupils wait for their turn to have their temperature checked at the lobby

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  A pupil has his hands sanitised after getting temperature checked at the lobby

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  Pupils sit inside the classroom

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  A pupil waves as she returns to school