Protocols for the UAE’s 2022–2023 back-to-school Covid-19 prevention have just been released by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA). The NCEMA published the following procedures via Twitter:
- On the first day of school, students 12 and older, teaching and support staff, and service providers must present a negative PCR test result obtained within 96 hours, but there is no requirement for ongoing testing.
- All students, including those who are unvaccinated for medical reasons or with a medical exemption, are permitted to attend classes. A PCR test and adherence to the Green Pass system are sufficient.
- Social segregation within facilities has been revoked and is now up to the individual facility, including on buses.
- Students’ and staff’ temperature checks to check for Covid-19 have been suspended, and everyone with a fever is required to take sick leave, get a negative PCR test result, and not come to work.
- While students and staff with COVID-19 or those experiencing respiratory symptoms are permitted to choose the e-learning and remote work alternatives, wearing face masks is required inside closed spaces.
According to the notification, all educational institutions in the UAE must follow these rules. According to a Parents United poll, the majority of parents in the UAE want masks banned from schools, thus the news is unlikely to make them happy.
