Sterilisation drive to keep UAE schools virus-free

Abu Dhabi - 620 schools and 6,000 buses sanitised so far, over 8,000 attendants trained.

As the UAE steps up the fight against Covid-19, a massive sterilisation and awareness drive is being carried out at educational institutions across the country - with more than 700 school inspections done just a few days after the early spring break was announced, top officials said on Saturday.
"As many as 620 schools and 6,000 school buses have been sterilised so far. Some 4,950 bus drivers and 8,171 attendants were trained to deal with emergency situations," said Dr Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, assistant undersecretary of the Activities Sector and director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department at the Ministry of Education (MoE).
A total of 667 nurses are ready to deal with emergency cases in schools, she added.
With schools being closed for the four-week spring break starting today, e-learning is also a key priority for the education sector.
"So far, 620 schools are fully equipped with the e-learning system," Dr Al Shamsi said.
"Workshops were conducted for teachers and 508 principals were trained. Pilot projects for the e-learning system was carried out on Wednesday and Thursday (last week). All teachers and staff are working to ensure success of the e-learning system," she added.
The ministry also reiterated that students and staff who have travelled abroad will not be allowed to enter education facilities till it is ensured that they are free of coronavirus.
"Students and school employees have been asked to remain at home for 14 days if they had visited any of the affected countries. Students who were part of the UAE Cycle Tour, along with their families, are kept at homes as a preventive measure."
For details and more information, the public may call the MoE's hotline 8005115.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

700 health experts working ?24/7
A total of 700 UAE health experts are working round the clock as the country pulls out all stops to beat Covid-19, a top official said on Saturday.
Dr Nada Al Marzouqi from the Ministry of Health and Prevention said all measures have been put in place to contain spread of the virus.
"The UAE is a pioneer in dealing with emergencies and such situations. Ministries are taking all possible preventive measures, including screening all those coming from abroad, especially from affected countries."
Currently, there are 45 cases in the UAE, with seven having 'completely recovered'.
"Most cases are stable. Only two people required intensive care. There are 700 health experts working round the clock," Dr Al Marzouqi said.
Following the UAE Tour, in which two cases emerged, some 318 people have been quarantined and screened in the hotels of Yas Island. While most of the cycling teams have left, a few are still to be cleared.
"We are following up on the cases. There are three categories of cases - 26 guests, 56 cyclists and team members and 236 hotel staff."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com 

• Abu Dhabi