To protect health and curb the spread of infectious diseases, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced a new health policy aimed at early education institutions. This policy specifies nine health conditions that require children and staff to stay home, establishing a new benchmark for infection control and safety in schools.
The directive focuses on safeguarding individual and community health by minimizing exposure to contagious illnesses.
The Nine Conditions for Staying Home
High Fever: A temperature of 38°C or higher, often associated with bacterial or viral infections, necessitates immediate attention.
Flu-like Symptoms: A runny nose, cold, sore throat, cough, headaches, and body aches require home care.
Eye Symptoms: Any discharge, redness, swelling, or pain around the eyes should be evaluated by a medical professional before returning to school.
Rashes: These may signal contagious diseases like chickenpox or measles.
Vomiting or Nausea: More than two episodes warrant staying home, especially when accompanied by fever.
Diarrhea: Frequent abnormal occurrences necessitate a temporary absence.
Head Lice: Any suspected or confirmed cases must be treated before returning to the institution.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Symptoms: Common signs include fever, rashes, and mouth sores, indicating this highly contagious illness.
Other Contagious Symptoms: Any unexplained illness-related symptoms should be addressed before rejoining.
Policy Highlights for Parents and Schools
Mandatory Reporting: Schools are required to inform parents if their child shows symptoms and ensure that children remain at home until they are fully recovered.
Sick Leave Protocols: Staff must follow reporting and documentation procedures, with fitness certificates required before returning to work.
Immunization and Preventive Measures: Institutions are responsible for collecting vaccination records during enrollment and informing parents of any immunization gaps due to medical reasons or vaccine shortages.
During outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, unvaccinated children might be temporarily excluded from schools to help protect the wider community.
ADEK’s policy focuses on fostering open communication between schools and parents, raising awareness about preventive measures and the significance of following health guidelines.
By tackling these issues head-on, ADEK seeks to promote healthier learning environments, highlighting the need for prompt medical care and good hygiene practices. This initiative supports the UAE’s dedication to improving education and health standards.
