Coronavirus: Dubai school workers in hazmat suits deliver books to students at home

In order to keep contact to a minimum but deliver educational tools such as books to its students, one Dubai school undertook a unique initiative on Sunday.

DPS Dubai’s staff donned gloves and hazmat suits to pack and take school books and notebooks to their students, who are being taught through e-classes as directed by the UAE Ministry of Education for a renewable period of two weeks that kicked off this week. The move is an effort to stop the spread of the virulent COVID 19 coronavirus, which has infected 335,957 globally as per the latest World Health Organisation figures and resulted in the deaths of more than 14,632. [In the UAE, there have been 153 reported cases and 2 deaths.]

The Dubai-based school deployed 15 to 20 buses to cover all areas in Dubai and Sharjah, which were been divided into 15 zones. These books were delivered to the homes of the students after their parents paid online for the books. Parents of one third grader, Omar and Suhana Fayaz, said: "This initiative by DPS is a very good measure to fight the current situation. This service is very helpful for all worried parents as e-learning is going to begin."

DPS kicked off e-learning on March 23 for its students; deliveries kicked off the day before. Dino Varghese and Annah Dino, whose son David is a class 12 student, called it an innovative solution that aids with government-mandated social distancing rules. “During these uncertain times when students and educational institutions are confused on how to go about, this is innovative and great support. With online classes and the delivery of books to Door steps we would call it a great effort and gesture of responsibility by DPS Dubai, towards their students,” said Dino.

The virus can stay alive on various surfaces for up to 3 days – therefore the bags were packed by workers after disinfecting their hands and minimising interaction with the study parcels. The principal and director of DPS Dubai, Rashmi Nandkeolyar, explained the move: “We understand that social isolation is one of the most effective means to contain the spread of the coronavirus. We will do our best to support the UAE government’s efforts in this regard. Besides, the health of our parents and students is of utmost importance to us. This is our innovative way to ensure convenience and good health.”