ADEK Doubles Down on Stricter Covid Requirements for Abu Dhabi Students and Schools

The requirements:

• A 14-day negative PCR result is required on the first day of physical school for all Private and Charter School students across the Emirate
• Students are required to maintain a 14-day valid PCR test result during their first month of the new academic year 2021/22
• Dedicated testing centers for students above 12 years and school staff
• Students below 12 years and Students of Determination can avail the free pre-entry tests at any private or public testing centers, with an option of a nasal PCR or saliva test
• Details on routine testing to be announced in due course

ADEK’s guidelines, released on the 25th August, follow the recent announcement from the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA UAE) demanding tests every month for all students over 12. Regardless of age or vaccination status, all Private and Charter School students, including Students of Determination, must produce a 14-day negative nasal PCR or saliva test result before they return to physical school. The same procedure applies to teachers, administrative staff and third-party contractors.

In addition, students will need to maintain a 14-day valid PCR test result at least for the first month of the new academic year.

Abu Dhabi’s rules regarding Covid-19 testing are very much in contrast in their approach to those in neighbouring Dubai.

According to the release sent to the media, “free COVID-19 PCR tests will be provided to students above 12 years old and school staff at designated testing centres on a specific date for each school”.

ADEK says it has already sent all Private and Charter Schools a PCR testing schedule to ensure students, teachers and staff receive their COVID-19 PCR test on time. Parents may contact schools to obtain their school code, testing center location and testing date as per the schedule provided by ADEK. Alternatively, students 12+ and school staff can choose to get a PCR test at any private testing centre of their choice at their own cost.

Students below 12 years and Students of Determination can take a free COVID-19 pre-entry PCR test at any private or public testing centre across Abu Dhabi, with a choice of a saliva test as an alternative to the nasal PCR test. Students must present their valid Emirates ID and specify to the medical staff that they are getting the back-to-school pre-entry test at the testing centre.

As student’s may have varying school start dates, depending on their school’s reopening model- alternating days or alternating weeks- they must ensure they have a valid 14-day negative PCR test result prior to their first day of physically attending school. The 14-day test result must remain valid throughout the first month of their return to school.

ADEK has also confirmed that they are working in close cooperation with stakeholders across the emirate and will announce the routine PCR testing schedule and frequency for staff and students in due course.