• Negative PCR test mandatory for staff with travel history within 48 hours before joining work

• All staff should declare their travel history by completing the DHA form online

Dubai, August 2, 2021: The UAE’s Ministry of Education has recommended that all staff, including teachers get their COVID-19 vaccine before the new academic year. Only vaccinated individuals would be allowed to enter the school vicinity.

In a recent tweet, the Ministry said that ‘all stakeholders of the educational institution, including teaching staff, administrative staff, students, supportive staff, parents and more are the segments who qualify for the vaccine’.

The #MinistryofEducation encourages all individuals (aged 16 and above) to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination is a mandatory requirement for entering educational facilities#TogetherWeRecover pic.twitter.com/gRIsK3fM7P

— وزارة التربية (@MOEducationUAE) August 2, 2021

The directive also urged students aged 16 and above to get their COVID-19 vaccine before they return to school. After schools reopen, students who are turning 16 must take a first UAE approved vaccine within four weeks of their birthday. Only those who are not eligible to get vaccines are excused from the requirement, provided they have a certificate issued by the authorities, the ministry of education adds.

With the world’s highest immunization rates, the Gulf state has about 79.04 percent of its population vaccinated with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Moreover, 70.69 percent are already fully vaccinated.