Schools who will break the pandemic protocols will face hefty fines, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) announced.

ADEK said that they have inspectors who have conducted tests on 221 schools and 119 nurseries that have reopened for in-classroom-lessons in the emirate.

The checks include adherence to a range of 62 criteria, including maintaining social distancing protocols; on-premise COVID task forces; regular cleaning and disinfection programs; regular COVID-19 testing of staff and students aged 12 and above; regulated classroom numbers, PPE equipment standards, and daily routine checks conducted by a nominated school compliance officer to ensure safety regulations are being followed.

Currently, class sizes have been increased to a maximum of 30 students while they observe 1.5 meter social distancing and compulsory wearing of face masks for Grade 1 and above.

Extracurricular activities on school premises still remain in force. Only light athletic activities are allowed outdoors during their normal PE classes and under social distancing rules.

Based on inspections, non-compliant nurseries can be moved immediately to distance learning for a week, or fined.

Those who will continue to be non-compliant will also be forced to shift to distance learning provision.

ADEK added that parents are also given the freedom to remove their children, with fee refunds for repeated non-compliance of the school.

The fine for schools ranged from AED10,000 to 250,000.

Amer Al Hammadi, Undersecretary of ADEK, expressed confidence in school and nursery communities and their desire to adhere to the regulations for the safety of all. (ES)

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