Toronto Public Health emphasize the importance of fresh air as a strategy to combat COVID-19

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Toronto District School Board has followed the recommendations of the Toronto Public Health to emphasize the importance of fresh air as a strategy to combat COVID-19.

In a press release on Thursday, November 26th, 2020 titled, “Fresh Air in Schools in Colder Weather,” the TDSB revealed that it has, “Checked all mechanical HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems to ensure they are operating as designed, increased the frequency of filters changed, adjusted systems to increase the amount of fresh air, added portable HEPA air filters in classrooms where mechanical ventilation is not an option, and opened windows where possible.”

The TDSB has been able to obtain $6.9 million, which it has used to buy almost 6,000 commercial HEPA units to place in classrooms that lacked mechanical ventilation or with reduced ability to get fresh air. On the advice of the TPH, TDSB recognizes that air purifiers are ineffective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 but may be an aid to mechanical ventilation if there is no gas exchange in the room.

Facility Team leaders at the TDSB were able to audit all its schools with respect to the status of their mechanical ventilation (partial/ all/no mechanical). Those schools that have partial mechanical ventilation or are lacking in mechanical ventilation will get newly purchased HEPA units.

In a revised pamphlet from the Toronto Public Health dated November 4th, 2020 notes that it is essential that there is regular maintenance of HVAC systems in order to ensure that there is:

• Increased air -exchange settings on the HVAC
• Use the highest efficiency filters that are compatible with the HVAC systems
• Keep areas near HVAC inlets and outlets clear
• Arrange furniture away from air vents and high airflow areas

It is based on the TPH’s recommendation for airflow and ventilation, which states, “Open windows and doors in rooms without HVAC systems, does not pose a safety risk. If a room doesn’t have ventilation (i.e. no windows or HVAC system), a portable air cleaner/ purifier can be considered, but make sure the air exhaust is not blowing directly at the people in the room. If a ceiling fan or portable fan is used, make sure airflow is upward, away from people.”

It is important that parents/guardians/caregivers who have children who attend TDSB schools prepare them properly for the colder months of winter. The press release further states, “We recognize it is very much a balance between introducing more ventilation at various times during the day and maintaining a comfortable indoor air temperature in classrooms. Please keep this in mind as your child gets ready for school each day by considering an extra layer of clothing to ensure comfort throughout the day.”

There has already been vocal criticism levelled at this recommendation.

Parents are now caught between a rock and a hard place. The directive from the TPH is the driving force for this strategy. The letter notes, “As we head into the colder months of the year, open windows will continue to be an important step to increase fresh air in classrooms and schools. TPH is recommending that windows in classrooms should be opened for a period of time, at different points of the day to introduce fresh air into the space and increase airflow. While heating systems will be turned up, we will expect that schools will be cooler than normal.”