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1.27 million students in the UAE resumed their studies for the new school year, including 130,000 at universities and colleges
2 September 2020
| Last updated on 2 September 2020
Students can opt between campus learning or distance education for the first term
The UAE Ministry of Education announced that student attendance across all public and private schools will be capped at 25 per cent and a complete return to campus classes will be done in phases.
"Overall students' attendance numbers will be initially limited to 25 per cent and after two weeks, we plan to increase this to 50 per cent, then 75 per cent, and until we reach full attendance for those opting for in-person classes," said Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the UAE Minister of Education.
In a virtual meeting, he said that student health is the top priority, and authorities have developed a series of preventive measures which must be followed inside and outside schools in order to protect students' safety.
Health protocols issued by the ministry include taking temperature checks before entering school facilities, ensuring physical distancing, and continuous sterilisation throughout the school day.
The minister also called on parents to monitor their children daily for any symptoms of the coronavirus and educate them on the need for social distancing and wearing masks. "We ask parents to ... ensure that their children's immunity is strengthened by eating healthy food, and taking necessary vaccinations," said the minister.
In an official tweet, Minister Al Hammadi said that the ministry chose to implement a hybrid education system to give parents the freedom to choose between their children's attendance at school or distance education for the first semester.
"With regard to higher education, distance learning and (normal in-class) education has been adopted on university campuses according to the nature of the educational curriculum, as some lectures will be given remotely, but others require attendance to laboratories and practical training classes" he added.
The education authorities has also developed monitoring and inspection methods, including an operations room that operates 24 hours a day to ensure the implementation of the set plan and the commitment of all parties.
The minister also called on parents to monitor their children daily for any symptoms of the coronavirus and educate them on the need for social distancing and wearing masks.
Minister Al Hammadi asks UAE parents to monitor their child's heath everyday and watch out for any Covid-19 symptoms. He has also called on parents to help educate their kids on the importance of physical distancing and wearing face masks.
Children's immunity can be "strengthened by eating healthy food, and taking necessary vaccinations," he continued.
On Wednesday, the UAE Ministry of Health reported 735 new Covid-19 cases, 538 recoveries, and three deaths. The total number of Coronavirus cases in the country is now at 71,540.
Total Covid-19 death toll in the UAE is at 387. Total recoveries are at 62,029.
