COVID-19: School closure under new protocols if cases surge

A revised framework issued by the Ministry of Education outlines the measures ahead of Sunday's new term.

Schools will be closed temporarily in the UAE if there's an "extreme risk" of a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The guidelines issued by the MOE also say that schools will have to operate at a reduced capacity if the rates rise.

The protocols establish risk levels during the coronavirus pandemic.

They range from normal to extreme.

Low level risk - that's up to 5 cases per 100,000 people in seven days - means that schools can operate as usual.

Moderate to high risk will limit operational capacity from 50 to 15 per cent.

While the extreme risk level - that's when there are at least 36 cases per 100,000 people in seven days - will mean school closure.

Parents are reminded that distance homeschooling and part-time homeschooling are optional for all.

Social distancing and the wearing of masks remain mandatory.