A coalition of groups from the education, social welfare, local government, public finance, and transportation sectors called for a greater emphasis on ventilation measures in the full implementation of face-to-face classes starting this November.
In a joint statement issued Monday, Sept. 19, Aral Pilipinas, Advocates of Inclusion, Young People’s Council PH, Komyut, Move Metro Manila, Bicycle Friendly Philippines, Move As One Coalition, and Galing Pook Foundation urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to “explore” the use of easy-to-communicate tools to assess ventilation and risk in schools along with the following provisions on ventilation in the guidelines for the conduct of face-to-face classes:
For non-air-conditioned classrooms and spaces
- Open windows, doors, and other openings to increase outdoor airflow when weather conditions allow. Reduce the use of items such as blinds and curtains that obstruct natural airflow.
- Do not open windows and doors if doing so poses a safety or health risk (e.g., risk of falling, triggering asthma symptoms) to occupants in the classroom. Even a slightly open window can introduce beneficial outdoor air.
- Use electric fans to increase the effectiveness of open windows and doors. Place electric fans facing out the windows and doors. This can help draw fresh air into the room through other open windows and doors.
- Equip teachers with microphones to reduce the degree of vocalization and reduce aerosol transmission.
For air-conditioned classrooms and spaces
- Use filtration devices such as air purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filtration in the middle of the classroom to improve air quality. If raw materials are available, creating Corsi-Rosenthal boxes with MERV 13 filters for classrooms is possible. Each standard Corsi-Rosenthal box can provide at least 3 Air Changes per Hour.
- Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in good working condition. Install exhaust fans in the room to improve ventilation.
- Equip teachers with microphones or any other appropriate sound system to reduce the degree of vocalization and reduce aerosol transmission.
Based on the school calendar and activities for SY 2022-2023, all public and private schools are expected to have transitioned to five days of in-person classes starting Nov. 2.
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https://mb.com.ph/2022/09/19/deped-urged-to-issue-clear-ventilation-guidelines-for-face-to-face-classes/