Thread by @johnwenger9

Schools are back and there are many concerned parents and teachers asking what measures are in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Short thread. #edchatie

The mask mandate was removed at the end of February 2022, but schools were advised to continue using infection prevention and control measures, such as ventilation.

gov.ie/en/press-relea…

As far as I know this advice has not changed, so windows should be open, CO2 monitors in use and HEPA filters turned on.

However, with the more laissez-faire approach to COVID-19 adopted across society over the last 6 months, schools could do with some clarification.

The Department of Education @Education_Ire @NormaFoleyTD1 should therefore immediately issue a communication piece to schools, reminding them of the importance of ventilation/filtration in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, such as influenza.

Schools should be asked to continue following the guidance on ventilation, use of CO2 monitors and air cleaning devices. gov.ie/en/publication…

I would also recommend the following:
- ensure CO2 monitors are working correctly
- perform maintenance on mechanical ventilation systems
- perform maintenance on air cleaning devices (changing of HEPA filters etc.).

Given the highly infectious nature of the omicron variant, I do see an increased need for the use of air filters to augment natural ventilation.
Not only in schools, but in hospitals, nursing homes, GP surgeries.....

I would therefore like to see additional guidance (and technical support) on achieving the recommended ventilation rates (4-6 air changes per hour or 10 l/s/person) through a combination of ventilation and air filtration.