Coronavirus: UAE's Ministry of Education announces spring break dates

The UAE Ministry of Education has issued a circular notifying all government schools in the country on the upcoming spring break holiday.

According to the circular, the spring break holiday officially begins on March 8 up until March 19 (for a period of two weeks).

However, the ministry circular noted that no students are allowed to enter government school buildings or facilities for a period of four weeks. Students attending UAE government schools will undertake distance learning measures from March 22 up until April 2, the circular explained, adding that schooling timetable scheduling - via distance learning - will be from 8.30pm to 1:30pm.

The ministry statement noted that administrative and teaching staff will undergo special training to facilitate distance learning for students. The trainings will take place from March 15 to 19.

Administrative and teaching staff working hours during this period of time - where distance learning will take place - are from 8am to 2pm, the Ministry of Education added.

Students will commence normal teaching patterns and attendance beginning April 5, which marks the beginning of the third semester of the academic year, the circular continued.

The ministry called on students, caretakers and parents, and administrative and teaching staff to adhere to recommendations issued by the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, particularly those related to travel, in view of the current coronavirus global health crisis.

It added, "In keeping with the recent instructions issued by the health authorities, all school staff and students returning from outside the UAE must complete the necessary medical examination and must undergo home quarantine for 14 days to ensure that they are healthy."