The COVID-19 pandemic has actually presented education with difficulties and opportunities. On one hand, the huge relocation to digital learning and one-to-one programs has actually accelerated districts prepare for edtech adoption. On the other, state and district leaders must make sure safe knowing environments as schools strive to remain open– and focusing on indoor air quality is critical.

” It was never on the leading edge as far as an urgent issue, then undoubtedly, like everyone else, the pandemic hit and we were swamped,” he said throughout an eSchool News webinar. “All of a sudden that secondary air quality discussion instantly concerned the forefront.

A layered approach to protection is suggested and can assist school leaders ensure safe learning environments, according to Brooke Pitcher, Director of Facilities at Marin Country Day School, and Kelly Hayes of Surgically Clean Air.

Air quality was always a concern at Pitchers school, which has a mix of structures from mid-1950s and brand-new structures. The pandemic escalated that concern.

Obligatory mask mandates, social distancing, regular handwashing, hybrid learning– schools are juggling a variety of security protocols. And while these actions are necessary, COVID-19 is air-borne, suggesting air purification and indoor air quality are of the utmost value.

Offering much healthier air can significantly lower the anxiety levels of students, professors, and staff– and students who are less stressed out are able to learn much better.

A layered technique to tidy and healthy air, focusing on air purification and indoor air quality, consists of:

Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Marylands distinguished Philip Merrill College of Journalism.

Using portable HEPA fans and purification systems to improve air cleaning
Using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation as an additional treatment
Utilizing filters with higher MERV scores
Understanding that HEPA filters work in removing 99.97 percent (or better) of all particle sizes

Each school should evaluate its specific requirements based on its variety of classrooms, shared areas, capability, etc.

And while HVAC improvements and attention to indoor air quality are very important, school leaders likewise need to focus on the classroom at the “source” of possible infections and outbreaks. Portable air cleaners provide schools flexibility to increase air filtration whenever and any place needed.

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See the full eSchool News webinar for more.