Nurseries, childcare centres to reopen in UAE

The Ministry of Education and the National Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) have announced that nurseries and childcare centres can reopen provided they adhere to all precautionary and preventive measures.

Approval for their opening will depend on their readiness to meet all health and safety requirements and procedures, WAM reported.

As per approved national protocols, a set of precautionary measures will be applied to ensure the health and safety of children and staff, including measuring temperatures, regulating the movement of staff and parents’ entry to nurseries and childcare centres.

It will be mandatory for all staff to be periodically tested for Covid-19 every two weeks. The health status of all children in nurseries and childcare centres will also be monitored regularly.

Sterilisation and hygiene procedures must be carried out regularly, physical spacing of 1.5 m should be followed, and only one group of children should be allowed in a maximum of per 3.5 square meters. Groups of children will be separated by each age group with the maximum size for each group to be determined to ensure the safety of all.

All toys and games must be sterilised and must not to be shared between groups. Meals must be provided by parents.
Authorities will inspect nurseries regularly to ensure that all precautionary and preventive measures are in place. Sanctions will be imposed on institutions that violate health and safety rules.