The Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee has approved the measures to be taken in order for children's nurseries to operate in Abu Dhabi.
Parents, as well as nursery staff, came to a decision to operate based on the reduction in COVID-19 cases and the needs and circumstances of parents.
The changes will come into effect from 1 July.
Nurseries will function in lower capacities by taking care of children in small groups. Children aged 45 days to 2 years can be cared for in a group of 12 with children aged 2 to 4 years, in a group of 16.
A minimum space of 3.5 square metres must be maintained between each child in the classrooms and 5 square metres in open areas.
If a child tests positive, the group will be closed for 10 days. If three or more groups are affected, the entire nursery will close for 10 days.
Additionally, regular inspections will be held, all staff will be provided with mandatory virtual training on COVID-19 protocols, a health and safety officer will be appointed and a nurse will be hired at every nursery to check the temperatures of children, educators and staff daily as well as to not admit any person with a potential COVID-19 symptom.
Mariam Al Hallami, Division Director of the Early Childhood Education at the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge said, "Nurseries play a crucial role in shaping children’s futures, by building their skills and evolving their social and intellectual abilities at the most important stage of character development. Nurseries are also critical in supporting parents’ careers and ability to work by providing this essential service. During the pandemic, parents, their employers, and nursery operators worked closely together to minimise the impact of reducing nurseries’ capacity while also ensuring children receive the important care they need."