Emirati group shares moves on kids’ testing

Photos of students wearing uniforms are placed in empty classrooms at the Camambugan National High School in Ubay town, Bohol province. | Leo Udtohan/Inquirer Visayas)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday maintained that antigen testing will not be required of learners who will participate in in-person classes on Nov. 15 because it may be “invasive” and “traumatic” for children.

But a foundation from the United Arab Emirates said the regular reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction testing of students, teachers and parents was an important component of their strategies for the safe reopening of schools.

Natasha Ridge, executive director of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation, said during a virtual forum conducted by the DepEd that their efforts included school sanitizing, a vaccination drive and enforcement of safety health protocols.

“Something that UAE has really excelled in is regular testing for all citizens, students and teachers. By combining these efforts with regular testing, we’re much able to stay on top of the spread of the disease and isolate students quickly rather than waiting for it to spread,” she said.In a joint memorandum released in September, the DepEd and the Department of Health created a “shared responsibility” framework intended to guide the agencies in preparing for the pilot study of in-person classes.