As extreme cold sets in, unions say education ministry sending mixed messages on air quality in schools
School administrators say the government is sending mixed messages over ventilation in the classroom after officials said teachers should not open their windows during class to improve air quality.
But amid a deep freeze sweeping through parts of the province, opening windows is a concern for parents, as well as staff who have to balance the comfort of their students and the concern of COVID-19 transmission.
Earlier this year, the government said teachers can open their windows when the CO2 readers — in the classrooms that have them — display a reading higher than 1,500 ppm.
Education Minister Jean-François Roberge’s ministry sent out a news release Friday advising teachers to “partially” open their windows only for short periods during recess or breaks between classes to improve the air quality.
It also clarified that it is acceptable for the levels to exceed 1,500 and even 2,000 ppm in a single reading, but that it’s more important to monitor the average readings over a longer period of time.
“He’s sending mixed messages,” said Heidi Yetman, President of the Quebec Provincial Association of Teachers (QPAT).
“This inaction of the government is causing a lot of stress inside the classroom and it’s so unfortunate that this was so mishandled. It’s actually quite unbelievable,” she added.
“Ventilation is key. This has been mishandled from the beginning. There are still classrooms without the CO2 detectors. There are many, many classrooms in the province of Quebec without mechanical ventilation. This should have been fixed a long time ago.”
Sylvain Mallette, head of the Federation autonome de l’enseignement (FAE), also shared concerns about the safety and comfort of students in class during the winter in the pandemic context.
“Since the virus is highly transmissible, how can they ask teachers to manage the temperature and manage the CO2 detectors when one contradicts the other?” he said, meaning that although opening the windows can refresh the air, that’s obviously not possible right now.
If the air quality worsens, some schools will need to install an air exchanger, the province said, adding that those that need them can have them delivered.
With images of kids in winter coats, the unions are hoping they can resolve the issue with the government soon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
BREAKING Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are moving on to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.