Schools are not required to take prior approval for the same

Dubai, Jan 05, 2022: The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has announced that all private schools in Dubai can move a class, grade/year level or the whole school to distance learning for a 48-hour period. Schools are not required to take prior approval for the same. 

Students with COVID symptoms or close contacts must be given the option for distance learning, the authority said. Symptom-free students can return to school without the PCR test. Students and staff who have been identified as close contacts are required to quarantine for seven days while those who have tested positive for COVID-19 must complete 10 days of home isolation. 

All trips, events, internal gatherings such as assemblies and performances and extra-curricular activities taking place at the school have been put on hold. 

All students above the age of six and all adults at school are required to wear face masks in line with health and safety protocols.

These changes will be in place for two weeks starting January 3.

The education regulator has also shared the following FAQs for schools regarding the changes in protocol on its website:

What changes have been made?

As a precautionary measure, all trips, events and internal gatherings – such as assemblies and performances – must be put on hold. This includes PE lessons.

Extra-curricular activities taking place at the school, either within or outside of school hours, must be put on hold.

Cafeterias and canteens must be closed.

Why have these changes been made?

The health, safety and wellbeing of the Dubai education community continues to be a priority. Dubai Government authorities are working together to monitor and update policies to ensure students and staff stay safe in a changeable environment.

How long will these changes be in place?

These changes will be in place for two weeks starting from Monday, January 3rd. Any updates to this will be shared as quickly as possible.

Which schools do these changes apply to?

These changes apply to all private schools in Dubai.

What happens if students have COVID symptoms?

Students who have COVID symptoms must not go to school. Instead, schools must give students with COVID symptoms the option of distance learning. Students may return to school when they no longer show any COVID symptoms. A PCR test is not required.

What happens if students or staff are identified as close contacts?

In line with Dubai Health Authority guidelines, students and staff who have been identified as close contacts by the school’s Health and Safety Officer must quarantine for seven days. Students must be given the option of distance learning.

A PCR test is not required for close contacts to return to school unless they develop COVID symptoms. Household members of the close contact do not need to self-isolate, unless the close contact develops COVID-19 symptoms.

What happens if students or staff test positive for COVID-19?

In line with Dubai Health Authority guidelines, students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 must complete 10 days of home isolation. Students must be given the option of distance learning. They must receive a clearance certificate authorised by Dubai Health Authority before returning to school. 

What can schools do if students and staff test positive for Covid, or are close contacts?

Schools are trusted to protect the health and safety of students and staff at all times. Existing procedures enable school leaders to move a class, grade/year level or the whole school to distance learning for a 48-hour period without prior approval. We work closely with school leaders to ensure that students and staff are able to return to a safe school environment. 

Are face masks still necessary?

Face masks play a crucial role in preventing the spread of COVID. All students above the age of six, and all adults at school, must continue to wear masks properly in line with health and safety protocols.

Will there be any other changes?

For now, schools are expected to continue complying with existing health and safety protocols.

How will we know about updates?

Updates will be sent to school leaders, posted on KHDA social media channels and shared as FAQs on our website.