UAE: Compulsory Covid tests expanded to include teachers

Teachers and education staff at UAE public schools need to take a Covid-19 PCR test every 14 days, the Ministry of Education has announced. Only fully vaccinated employees of the ministry are exempted from the requirement.

A similar requirement is in place at private schools in Sharjah.

The employees will need to take the tests at their own expense. Those who are not medically eligible to take the vaccine will still need to take the PCR test every 14 days, but the cost will be footed by the ministry.

Earlier, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources had announced that all employees of the UAE’s ministries and federal government departments must undergo a PCR test for Covid-19 every seven days. Following the announcement, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain authorities issued similar directives.

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Salary cuts for violating Covid rules

The ministry also warned of pay cuts for those violating Covid safety measures. Written warnings will be issued for the first two times.

If the employee repeats the offence for the third time, his/her one-day salary will be deducted. The next two offences will result in three- and five-day salary cuts, respectively.