Torres Menarguez, Ana. 2020. “As cold sets in, Spanish schools face dilemma: leave windows open or risk coronavirus contagion?” El Pais, 12 October 2020.
The safety protocols negotiated between central and regional education authorities make no provisions for the drop in temperature, and some students are forced to sit near wet, drafty spots
QUOTE:
The coronavirus protocol negotiated between central and regional health authorities does not contemplate a different scenario for the winter. The recommendations are for at least 10 to 15 minutes of ventilation at the beginning and end of each school day, and also during recess and between classes. In general, windows should remain open “as long as possible.” The regional governments of Extremadura, Murcia, Andalusia and the Canary Islands have recommended keeping doors and windows open during class as well.
“Ventilating only during recess and in between classes is clearly insufficient,” explains María Cruz Minguillón, a researcher at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)’s Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research. “The windows must stay open and the children must wear a coat and scarf if necessary,” adds this expert in airborne aerosols.