Amid the ongoing efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has underlined 10 practices that parents must avoid to safeguard their children and the students at school.

The Authority has highlighted these practices in its parent guidebook for COVID-19 which is available on the DHA website, The guidebook is aimed at providing all parents with updated, accurate, and reliable information about the best ways to keep themselves, children, families, and communities safe and secure amid pandemic.  

Dr. Hend Al Awadhi, Head of Health Promotion and Education at the DHA, stressed the significance of complying with the necessary health precautions issued by schools and detailed in the guidebook for parents to ensure the safety of their children and for others.

In this regard, she highlighted some practices that parents must avoid doing, such as sending your child to school if they have any COVID-19 symptom.

Dr. Al Awadhi also called on parents to be aware and informed of any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 among their children. In case of any symptom, parents should NOT send their child to school. COVID-19 symptoms can vary from fever equal to or higher than 37.5˚C, body pain, coughing, shortness and difficulty in breathing, loss of the sense of smell and taste, headache, nausea, diarrhea, sore throat, and runny nose.

She further added that if a child develops any of these COVID-19 symptoms at home, then parents must immediately inform the school and the child must be given proper care at home. If needed, the parent must inform health authorities and seek medical advice.

At the same time, if it is necessary, the child must take a PCR test before returning to school. In case of a negative test result, the parent can send the child to school only after they are free of symptoms. The PCR test result and sick leave/attendance certificate should be submitted to the school upon the child’s return.

However, in case of a positive test result, parents should inform the school immediately and follow necessary medical instructions and isolation precautions. In this situation, distance learning will continue for the child. Before the child's return, parents must provide a COVID-19 Clearance Certificate from the doctor or by calling the DHA toll-free number on 800 342.

If the child develops COVID-19 symptoms at school, they will be immediately taken to the isolation room on the premises until their parent/ guardian arrives. After seeking necessary medical advice, parents must get a PCR test done for their child. They must comply with appropriate procedures depending on whether the test result is positive or negative.

Any close contacts to the child, including siblings, family members, classmates, and friends MUST undergo a 10-day home quarantine.

If the child notices any symptoms while they are on the way to school:

It is important for parents and companions to observe children for any signs and symptoms during the journey to and from school and while in the car. In case of any signs and symptoms, the parents must take the child back home, seek medical advice and inform the school immediately. The parent must comply with necessary procedures depending on the PCR test result.

If the student has any symptoms on the bus:

In case of any signs and symptoms, while riding the bus, the student should be seated at the front of the bus, following which he/she should be taken to the isolation room upon arrival at the school by the health and safety officer. The school must inform the parent to take the child home for appropriate care. Parents must seek immediate medical advice and follow necessary precautions. They must adhere to the required procedures, depending on whether the test result is positive or negative.

Sending your child to school in case of close contact with a positive case:

In the DHA guidebook, Dr. Al Awadhi explained that close contact is an individual who has been within a distance of 2 meters or less of a COVID-19 infected person for 15 minutes or more. If a child comes in close contact with a positive COVID-19 person outside the school, parents must inform the school and comply with 10 days of home quarantine from the date of the last contact with the infected person.

During the home quarantine of the child, parents must monitor them for any COVID-19 signs and symptoms. In case no symptoms appear, the child can return to school after completing the 10-day quarantine period. As per regulations, close contacts are not mandated to take a PCR test unless they observe any signs and symptoms of COVID-19 during the quarantine period. If they show any signs, the child must take a PCR test. If the test result is positive, then parents should inform the school, and distance learning must continue.

At least two days before returning to school, the school doctor/nurse will evaluate the child virtually in order to ensure that he/she is free from any signs and symptoms. If the child is allowed to return to school after the virtual evaluation, he/she must go to the school clinic upon arrival at the school for evaluation of their health conditions to continue with learning activities in school.

Send the child to large gatherings and parties:

Significantly, Dr. Al Awadhi has stressed that parents must avoid sending their children to large gatherings like birthdays and parties in order to reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

Not educating your child on COVID-19 preventive measures:

Al Awadhi underlined that it is parents' responsibility to ensure that their child is aware of necessary information related to COVID-19, including common symptoms and precautionary measures to avoid getting infected.

Not wearing face masks:

Dr. Al Awadhi called on all students above 6 years to compulsorily wear a face mask. She also encouraged parents to provide children with an adequate number of masks and sanitizers wherever they go.

Sharing personal items with others:

She urged parents to ensure that their child has sufficient school supplies, food, and other essential things such that they are not required to borrow or share those items with other students in school.

Not paying attention to your child’s mental health:

Dr. Al Awadhi urged parents to speak to their children, be open to them and listen to them. Amid the ongoing pandemic crisis, they should reassure their child and give them comfort and reassurance.

Ignoring precautionary measures:

She reiterated the need for adhering to COVID-19 precautionary measures such as wearing face masks, regular sanitizing, and practicing physical distancing as they are critical in preventing the spread of the virus.

WAM