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Free Covid test for schoolgoing kids in Abu Dhabi: All you need to know

Abu Dhabi - The PCR tests will be provided free of charge on a specific date for each school from December 21 to 31

A negative Covid-19 PCR test result is compulsory for students aged 12 years and above to physically attend face-to-face classes of the next academic term in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) has also made Covid-19 PCR testing mandatory for teachers and school staff.

On November 3, the Abu Dhabi Emergency Crisis and Disasters Committee for Covid-19 pandemic and the Adek had announced that all private school students in the Capital will have the option to return to in-person classes from January 3.

On August 30, schools in Abu Dhabi had started receiving students in phases along with the option of online learning for the first semester of the academic year.

Free tests for everyone

The PCR tests will be provided free of charge on a specific date for each school from December 21 to 31 at designated Seha (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company) screening centres from 8am to 7pm. Adek has sent schools a PCR testing schedule in order to ensure students, teachers and staff avail of the free test on time. Students of determination and full-time distance learning students are exempted from taking the test.

209 schools participate

According to the information of the testing schedule available on Adek website, as many as 209 schools will be able to avail of the free testing till this month-end across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In the Abu Dhabi region,136 schools can do testing at drive through centres in Al Bahia, Al Wathba, Al Shamkha, Corniche and Zayed Sports City. A total of 61 schools have been scheduled to take tests in the eastern region of Al Ain, while 12 in the western region of Al Dhafra.

Documents needed

A valid Emirates ID and a dedicated school code must be presented at the testing centre. Parents may contact schools to obtain the code, location, time and date details as per the Adek schedule.

Options available

Students, teachers and staff who choose to take the PCR test at an alternative date or location may do so at a private or public healthcare facility at their own expense. Meanwhile, periodic testing will continue for teachers and school staff. A schedule for those tests with location, date and timing details will be shared with schools.

Quarantine guidelines

Parents and students returning from abroad must follow the quarantine guidelines set by the UAE health authorities. In all cases, students aged 12 and above must present a negative Covid-19 test result before physically attending school.

'Wonderful and reassuring'

Parents have welcomed the Adek decision to conduct free Covid-19 tests for students aged 12 and above who wish to physically attend the classes.

Nisha Sameer, a mother, said such measures ensure the highest degree of safety measures possible at educational institutes.

“This is wonderful and reassuring. My daughter Rihana studies in Grade 7. The school is already taking lots of safety measures and following Covid-19 protocols. If all kids are free from infection, it makes the classroom environment even safer and better for education. As a parent I also have my peace of mind.”

Elsy Saji Mathew, mother of Jeslyn, a student, noted that the school continues to offer the option of online learning.

“The Abu Dhabi Government and Adek are doing a commendable service. The mandatory testing to attend classes is a good decision and so is to continue the option of online learning. We will take a decision soon but it is always nice to have options under the present circumstances.”