Coronavirus: No school transport for students taking Indian, Pakistani exams in UAE

School transportation has been suspended for Grade 10 and 12 students attempting the CBSE, IGCSE, and state board exams in the UAE, said the UAE Ministry of Education. Furthermore, full-time medical staff, including a doctor and a nurse, must be present at the examination halls at all time.

"The medical staff must monitor every student, tracking their health, and in case of any student experiencing any symptoms, they should immediately be sent home," said the ministry.

A joint circular was issued by the ministry, Department of Education and Knowledge, Abu Dhabi, Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and the Sharjah Private Education Authority to safeguard the health of Indian and Pakistani curriculum students during the examinations.

Here are some of the key guidelines for students attempting the Indian and Pakistani Board exams:

- Suspend all school transportation during the period of exams and have parents pick up and drop off their children.

- Sanitise all exam halls before the arrival of students and after they are dismissed according to the approved procedures and regulations.

- Organize students within exam halls in small separated groups which should not exceed more than 15 students per hall.

- Prevent any direct contact between students.

- Dismiss students from school immediately after they have completed their exams.

- Take all the precautionary measures that guarantee the health and safety of all students.

- Provide full-time medical staff (doctor and nurse) during the entire period of the exam. The medical staff must monitor every student, tracking their health, and in case of any student experiencing any symptoms, they should immediately be sent home.

• Dubai

Dhanusha Gokulan

• dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com