Before the scheduled reopening of school on 29 August 2021, we can confirm that based on The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee’s announcement allowing only vaccinated individuals (applicable to individuals aged 16 and above) to specified public places including schools and nurseries, effective 20 August 2021, we have received the following guidelines from ADEK:
Unvaccinated individuals aged 16 and above cannot access the school premises
All individuals 16 and above must be fully vaccinated (completed 28 days after the second dose, with a UAE-approved vaccine) to enter the school premises.
The requirement applies to everyone accessing the school premises (including staff, students aged 16 and above, visitors, contractors, and inspectors).
The requirement is applicable at all times including non-operational school hours and holidays.
The vaccination must be verified on ALHOSN app.
Individuals with vaccination exemptions can access the school premises
Vaccination exemptions should be verified on ALHOSN app OR through an official letter from SEHA, Mubadala Health Care or other Department of Health-authorized providers.
Please visit the below link to view an updated list of exempt groups and the process of reflecting the exemption on the ALHOSN app: https://www.adphc.gov.ae/en/COVID19/COVID-19-Vaccination/COVID-19- Vaccination
Distance learning option
Merryland will continue to offer distance learning for non-vaccinated members of our student body who are aged 16 and above who cannot, or choose not to vaccinate.
Additionally, distance learning will also be available to students with medical conditions classified as high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exams for non-vaccinated students
Non-vaccinated students (aged 16 and above) will be able to physically sit critical exams in school with special arrangements.
They will only be allowed to enter the school premises on the day of the exam. They will have to be set up in a separate area from students regularly attending physical schooling.
They may only be allowed in the school 30 minutes before the exam and can remain no longer than 20 minutes after exiting the examination area.
They must follow all other precautionary measures.
What this means for your child
If your child is 16 and above and fully vaccinated (completed 28 days after the second dose, with a UAE-approved vaccine) he/she can attend school physically from 29 August 2021.
If your child is 16 and above and not fully vaccinated (completed 28 days after the second dose, with a UAE-approved vaccine) he/she cannot attend school physically, and will have to complete their vaccination journey before they are permitted to do so.
If your child has travelled outside the UAE during the summer vacation, he/she will have to follow all the UAE government guidelines for quarantine and PCR testing. After this, they can register for the vaccination program. They will have to be fully vaccinated before they will be allowed to attend classes physically.
If you feel that your child qualifies for the vaccination exemption, please provide us with an official letter from SEHA after following the due process.
If you are unsure about whether your child can take the COVID 19 vaccination or not, please consult your family doctor or a qualified medical practitioner for guidance.
Our position
The decision that only vaccinated individuals (applicable to individuals aged 16 and above) will be permitted to enter specified public places including schools and nurseries, effective 20 August 2021 has been taken by the government.
Merryland fully supports and appreciates the UAE government’s vaccination drive.
We are obligated to follow government directives and cannot give expert medical advice regarding individual requirements. Please contact your family doctor or a qualified medical practitioner if you need any guidance regarding your child’s vaccination.
We urge all individuals who are 16 and above to get vaccinated unless they are exempted.
Please note that the health situation is evolving and we will inform you if there are any changes to the current requirements.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Merryland
