Air Quality & Ventilation
With COVID-19 being transmitted via droplets in the air, it is critical that air in school spaces is ventilated and if possible filtered. Fresh air from opening windows can also keep virus particles from accumulating inside.
Key Recommendations
Classrooms:
Ventilate with outdoor air as much as possible, even if it requires students to wear jackets in somewhat cold temperatures. Eliminate or minimize air recirculation.
Identify date of last HVAC equipment inspection and schedule inspection if needed.
Inspect HVAC air filters to make sure they are installed and fit correctly and that airflow is maintained across the filter.
Consider opportunities to change air filters to MERV 13 or higher, which are effective in removing SARS-CoV-2.
Supplement HVAC air filtration if possible with portable air cleaners with HEPA filters.
Portable filters are most effective in smaller spaces, and less useful if they do not contain HEPA filters and simply recirculate air.
Bathrooms:
Close bathroom doors and windows and keep any exhaust fans running at all times.
If no exhaust fans are present or if they are not functional, keep bathroom windows open if this can be done safely.
Use paper towels, rather than air dryers, in the bathroom.
Buses:
Assess whether bus windows open properly.
Open all bus windows. When there is bad weather, open them a little (2-3 inches).
Keep on all fresh air fans in the bus when running.
Reflection Points for Teams
Does the school and the district have the funds and personnel to upgrade HVAC air filters, install fans, and add lids on toilets?
Who will be responsible for ensuring proper ventilation across each school building?
Starting Point Tools
The following resources offer starting points for school and district leaders to monitor air quality and improve ventilation in school buildings. These comprise of practitioner toolkits and guides to provide actionable next steps.
(We will continue to update these as we continue to learn about additional tools)
School Air Quality Assessment Guide
This toolkit is designed to assist district and building operations and facilities leaders by providing a checklist of priority steps related to improving air quality to prepare for in-person learning.
5-Step Guide to Checking Ventilation Rates in Classrooms
Healthy Buildings, an initiative of the Harvard T.H. Chan Public School of Health, has created a detailed how-to guide for measuring ventilation rates, including materials needed and helpful strategies.