The Public Health Authority (Weqaya) in Saudi Arabia explained the categories of students, who suffer from various diseases and disorders, have been exempted from attending in-person classes of primary and kindergarten schools, which is about to resume from 23rd January.
The 11 categories of students who are exempted from attending in-person classes are, who are suffering from type 1 diabetes, obesity and underweight with body mass index percentile value more than 95 and less than 5, congenital cardiovascular diseases (Septal abnormalities, aortic, stenosis, pulmonary valve stenosis, transposition of the great arteries and impaired heart development).
- In addition to those with chronic lung disease (Chronic asthma, cystic fibrosis and ciliary dyskinesia), chronic kidney disease, neuromuscular dystrophies, anemia (thalassemia and sickle cell anemia), immune related diseases (acquired immunodeficiency, organ transplants, immunosuppressive therapies and cancer treatment) and genetic diseases (down syndrome).
- The category also includes, any children with siblings who have these high risk factors caused by such diseases, or children who have siblings or parents who are exempted from receiving coronavirus vaccines due to their health conditions like hypersensitivity to corona virus vaccines are also exempted from attending in-person schools.
This comes as part of the directives issued by Public Health Authority for the return of students, who are below 12 years of age to their elementary and kindergarten classes.
- As per the issued guidelines, School canteens and morning assemblies would remain suspended, students must proceed to their classes directly. All class activities that does not meet physical distancing measures must be cancelled.
- Sports events and activities can be conducted in spacious and well-ventilated places, by following the distancing and without sharing any sports equipment and tools. Social distancing must be maintained while performing prayer at prayer areas and at places of ablution.
- Entries and exits of students must be well-arranged with a physical distancing of 1.5 meters between two students, only those who wear mask will be allowed to enter.
- Good ventilation must be maintained in classrooms, opening windows and benefiting from natural ventilation, including ventilation of air conditioning devices.
- Teachers shall use medical face shield inside the classrooms, so that their pronunciation of words will be clear. Teachers have to clean and sterilize their face shield appropriately, when taking it off.
- Teachers must use mask outside their classrooms. Sharing meals and group meals in teacher's rooms and relaxation rooms are not entertained, no permission to use water coolers.
- Spacing between students tables should be 60 cm at least. Different times of intervals for students and timing of their departure from schools in order to avoid mixing and crowding.
- The guidelines also specified that there should be separate square designated for gathering of students of each class. Distribution of meals and eating in classrooms will be allowed.
SOURCE : SAUDI EXPATRIATES
