Unvaccinated UAE students to undergo weekly PCR testing

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Unvaccinated students aged 12 and above in the UAE will be required to undergo weekly PCR testing for the new academic year.

That's according to Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the UAE health sector's spokesperson, who made the announcement during the latest media briefing held on Sunday. 

Meanwhile, unvaccinated children under the age of 12 and vaccinated pupils aged 12 and above will need to take PCR tests on a monthly basis. 

The new rules will be applied 30 days from the first day of school, in order to give unvaccinated students an opportunity to get the jab. Until the protocols come into effect, pupils will have to get tested every two weeks. 

Parents have also been advised to download the Al Hosn app for their children in order to present proof of vaccination and PCR testing. 

According to the new protocols announced, a social distance of one meter will be mandatory for all educational facilities to follow. 

Those who have been excused from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine must present official documentation of the exemption. 

Dr. Farida clarified that distance learning will still be made available to both vaccinated and unvaccinated students. 

The new rules stipulate that students must have their own protective gear and equipment since sharing is strictly prohibited. Pupils have also been urged to avoid shaking hands when greeting classmates. 

Meanwhile, Dubai is reportedly set to announce its own protocols. 

In a statement to ARN, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) clarified that "all safety guidelines for staff and students will be outlined in the document" to be released. 

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