While schools across the globe remain closed, parents in Dubai have been extremely grateful for the option to be able to send their children to physical schooling since the beginning of the 2020/21 academic year.
More than half of Dubai’s school children (53%) have chosen to attend physical school according to KHDA figures from Autumn 2020, and there are countless benefits of classroom-based learning for children, including the ability to interact with peers, as well as the benefit of childcare provision for parents.
However, while schools have strict precautions in place to protect against virus transmission in the classroom, the KHDA has issued a reminder to parents that their own behaviour can make a huge difference to the school’s safety and ability to continue face-to-face learning.
Had a PCR test but your child is at school? Here’s what to do
The KHDA shared a warning to parents on its social media stating ‘When waiting for the results of a PCR test, please… Stay Home.”
KHDA shares true cautionary tale
The KHDA also shared a stark visual demonstration of how parents’ behaviour can have a huge impact on the school.
Based on true stories of the different behaviour and outcomes of two Dubai parents, the first slide shows two fathers of Dubai schoolchildren who are experiencing COVID symptoms and require a PCR test.
While one father, Jameel, goes straight home after having his PCR test, the other father, David, goes to pick up his child from school, stopping to chat to a teacher on the way.
The next day, both fathers’ tests come back positive.
While Jameel’s behaviour means that only his own children need to switch the distance learning for 10 days, David’s behaviour means that the teacher he spoke to is now a close contact, and the entire class is required to switch to distance learning for 10 days.
This is a stark reminder of how assuming you are ‘probably fine’ can have serious consequences that do not affect only you, but a whole class of children and their families. It is always better to be wary than to be sorry.
If you are unsure of what to do, it is always better to check with your child's school first.
