PCR testing and vaccination requirements – Updates

Dear Parents,

With regard to PCR testing and vaccination requirements for students to physically attend school, please note the following updates from ADEK based on directives by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee:

PCR TESTING

First Entry PCR testing requirements

1. All students 12 years and above, irrespective of their vaccination status, must produce a 96-hour valid negative PCR test prior to their first day of physically attending school.
2. All students 6 years and above, returning from international travel during the academic year, must produce a 96-hour valid negative PCR test prior to their first day of physically attending school.

Routine PCR testing requirements

1. All vaccinated students 12 years and above, must undergo routine PCR testing every 30 days.
2. 12-15 year old unvaccinated students, must undergo routine PCR testing every 14 days.
3. Students 12 years and above, with vaccination exemptions, must undergo routine PCR testing every 7 days.

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS AGED 16 AND ABOVE TO ATTEND SCHOOL PHYSICALLY

The following categories of students aged 16 and above, will be allowed to attend school physically:

1. Fully vaccinated students aged 16 and above
2. Fully vaccinated students aged 16 and above (completed dose 1, dose 2, and 28 days after dose 2).

Such students, who have completed 6 months from the second dose of their previous vaccine, must obtain a booster dose within 30 days to maintain their ALHOSN green status and be allowed to enter school.

Students aged 16 and above with incomplete vaccination journeys

1. All students aged 16 and above who, for any reason (travel, unable to get an appointment, being previously exempt), have started but not completed their vaccination journey (completed dose 1, dose 2, or both doses but not the required 28 days) before their first day of physically returning to school.
2. Such students and their parents must commit to the timely completion of their vaccination journeys. They will not be permitted to attend school physically if they fail to complete their vaccination journey.

Students aged 16 who have not started their vaccination journeys

1. All students aged 16 and above who have not started their vaccination journey (not completed dose 1) before their first day of physically returning to school, will not be permitted to enter school unless they have a vaccine exemption from SEHA.

The UAE government has worked tirelessly and efficiently to mitigate the effects of the pandemic and we request all our parents and students to follow guidelines to ensure the safe re-opening of school.

Thank you for your co-operation.

Merryland International School.