Schools, universities, nurseries, special needs centres and early childhood centres would fall under the guidelines

Dubai, Aug 31, 2021: The Dubai Health Authority has released revised guidelines for COVID-19 for schools and universities. Schools, universities, nurseries, special needs centres and early childhood centres would fall under the guidelines. 

Physical distancing for students has been reduced to one metre which earlier was two metres while the quarantine duration for a close contact has been reduced to seven days, regardless of their vaccination status. Furthermore, no PCR test will be required after the quarantine period is over for those who do not have any symptoms. However, there are no changes in the quarantine period for COVID-19 positives as it remains to be 10 days. Similarly, all preventive precautions such as wearing a face mask and keeping hand hygiene will continue.

Dr Hanan Obaid, Director for Health Policies and Standards at DHA’s Health Regulation Sector, said “These detailed guidelines provide clear, precise and comprehensive step-by-step protocols for the concerned educational institutions so that they are well prepared and equipped to provide a safe learning environment for students, as well as protect staff members.”

After the completion of the isolation period for a positive case, students and staff are required to submit a clearance certificate to get back to the educational institutes. 

Dr Sawsan Al Nahas, acting head of School Health Section, DHA, said “The guideline elaborates classification of low to moderate and high-risk transmission as well as all the mandatory measures the educational institution has to undertake based on the risk of infection.”

According to data released by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA), 86% of the academic staff and 84% of the administrative staff have already been vaccinated.