GEMS schools in UAE get ready for students' return

They are working with a globally accredited health and safety service providers, covering everything from food handling and deep cleaning, to school transportation and staff accommodation.

All staff involved in cleaning and sanitisation have undergone training and are required to wear full personal protective equipment.

Paul Slater, vice-president for operations and health, safety and environment at GEMS Education, said: "The safety of our students, parents, teachers and staff is of utmost importance and remains our top priority. Our preparations for reopening schools are already well under way.

"We have been reviewing practices across Europe and Asia to ensure we apply only the best global standards. We have a team of dedicated health and safety professionals who are working tirelessly to ensure we continue to follow the best, most up to date health and safety standards.

In the run-up to school reopening, all GEMS Education schools are undergoing regular deep cleaning and disinfection using hospital-grade anti-viral disinfectants that are commonly used in healthcare facilities.

Additional measures include repeated fumigation of all air conditioning vents, and GEMS Education's Health and Safety Team is currently reviewing additional measures to enhance the safety of people coming into school, including the potential use of sanitisation tunnels at main entrances as well as IP thermal cameras for enhanced temperature checking.

In addition, professionals have been reviewing policies and procedures to ensure that social distancing and safety guidelines are implemented and followed.