Safe Operations

Authorized Persons

Schools shall identify and communicate criteria for authorized entry to the school premises, with the objective of limiting entry to essential persons only.

Schools shall maintain rigorous logs of all persons accessing the school premises.

Authorized persons must meet the health requirements for entry and follow the relevant entry/exit protocol.

Authorized persons include:

• Enrolled Students
• School staff
• Contract staff (security guards, janitorial staff, canteen staff, and other 3rd party providers working onsite)
• Other authorized persons (external providers and authorities, i.e. heavy item delivery personnel, construction workers, etc.)
• Parents with a negative PCR test result (valid 96 hours) or “emergency use” status on their AlHosn application.
• School-aged children of staff (if authorized to be present that day for onsite childcare)

Students of Determination should be considered on an equitable basis as all other students. A Risk Assessment should be conducted where necessary and the outcomes discussed with parents. Where the support of a third party is required for any Student of Determination, exemptions should be made as appropriate to allow their entry onto the school premises with the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as is determined in the Risk Assessment.

Health Requirements for Entry

All authorized persons may enter the school premises as long as long as they do not have the following COVID-19 related symptoms:

• Fever (37.5 C or above)
• Cough
• Body ache
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Headache
• Loss of smell or taste

Staff and students with chronic health conditions may now physically return to school upon presentation of the following documents:

• A physician’s letter stating that the staff or student is fit to physically attend school.
• A signed risk undertaking form by the staff or student’s legal guardian acknowledging that they understand the risk associated with physically returning to school during the COVID-19 pandemic and taking full responsibility for their decision. Schools will provide staff and students with the form.

Health requirements are subject to change to reflect the latest information issued by health authorities.

Additional Entry Requirements for Contract Staff

Contract staff must also meet all the health requirements and conditions for schools in addition to those relating to their sector as determined by the relevant authorities.

Prior to entry, contractors must sign a declaration of understanding that any suspected cases amongst staff members will be reported to the school.

Contract staff who are suspected cases are not permitted to enter school premises, and for a confirmed case, clearance of all team members identified through contact tracing is required prior to their entry.

Daily logs of contract staff attendance and temperature scans must be kept.

Any subcontract staff must pre-approved by the school’s facilities manager (with 48 hours notice).

Any further requirements will be announced at a later date in conjunction with the relevant authorities.

Mandatory COVID-19 Test

PCR Testing will be required for all staff and students aged 12 and above who are physically returning to school.

Students of Determination are exempt.

Testing guidelines for students and staff are subject to change based on the latest guidelines from health authorities.

All staff, parents, and students with devices are recommended to download the AlHOSN Application to facilitate contact tracing in case of an incident.

Admissions, Registration, Communication, and Orientation

School tours may resume for parents of new and prospective students, as per the Requirements for Entry.

Schools shall use remote means (email, telephone, online meetings, etc.) whenever possible for all administrative matters (admissions, registration, communication, and payment), as well as ensuring timely responses to queries.

Textbook and uniforms should be packaged, sanitized, and distributed in an orderly manner to avoid crowding.

Schools shall enforce adherence to safety measures (social distancing, avoiding overcrowding) in areas within the school premises that are frequented by parents (i.e. waiting/reception areas, administrative offices).

A dedicated contact number and/or email for parents to report COVID-19 emergencies should be made available.

Student Medical Records

Schools shall maintain updated medical records as per Policy 35 of the Private Schools Policy and Guidance Manual 2014-15.

Student medical records must be kept confidential and only shared with relevant parties as outlined in Policy 35 of the Private Schools Policy and Guidance Manual 2014-15.

Guidelines for Daily Health Screening Prior to Leaving Home

Schools shall communicate that parents are strongly advised to check their children’s temperatures and screen for symptoms before leaving home for school. Children who exhibit symptoms or who are feeling generally unwell are required to stay home from school as per the health declaration form signed by parents and are urged to see a SEHA Primary Healthcare Doctor for assessment and possible Covid-19 testing if required.

Staff are strongly advised to check their own temperature and screen for symptoms before leaving the house. Staff who exhibit symptoms or who are feeling generally unwell are required to stay home from school and are urged to see a SEHA Primary Healthcare Doctor for assessment and possible Covid-19 testing if required.