Coronavirus in UAE: Teachers, school staff asked to work from home

Schools have been asked to strictly adhere to the instructions set by the ministry.

Provided that distance learning continues, all private school employees, including teachers and support staff, have been advised to work from home, said the UAE government.
In the case schools cannot allow all employees to work from home, management can allow a maximum of 20 per cent of teachers and staff within the school building, said a joint circular from the UAE Ministry of Education and the all private education regulators in the country. (Coronavirus outbreak: All the latest updates)
As Khaleej Times had earlier reported, following the four-week closure of all schools and universities in the country, that started on Sunday, March 8, several private schools were asking teachers to report to work.
However, the new circular says, "Based on the directives from the Ministry of Interior and the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority pertaining to urging the public to stay at home unless it is necessary to get essential supplies or to perform essential jobs, we ask schools to allow all employees to work from home provided that the distance learning continues for all students."
If employees remain within the school building, schools have been asked to strictly adhere to the instructions set by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. This includes:

* Any staff in the building need to remain two meters apart, gatherings in in large groups is not allowed.
* No more than two people are allowed to use the same classroom.
* Any staff member with any flu like symptoms is not allowed in the school building.

* Holding events or meetings in person is not allowed, please use electronic means to conduct your meetings

* Ensure cleaning staff wear disposable gloves, mask and gowns for all tasks in the cleaning process, including handling trash.

* All staff on the premises must wear a mask at all times

* With immediate effect, allow all pregnant women, employees with chronic diseases or health complications, employees over 60-years-old and people of determination to work from home.

* The management of the school is responsible for ensuring the continuity of learning for all students.

Commenting on policies, Alan Williamson, Chief Executive Officer of the Taaleem group of schools said, "We are working collaboratively with our parents to ensure that no student is unfairly disadvantaged educationally during these unprecedented times. All of our outstanding teaching and support staff are dedicated to delivering an exceptional educational experience for our students as well as being fully engaged with parents to both alleviate any concerns and help overcome any challenges."

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai

Dhanusha Gokulan

• dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com