Really clear explanation to how Covid spreads in schools, restaurants and at home and the effect of different prevention measures

[bumblingbovine49]

english.elpais.com/society/2020-10-28/a-room-a-bar-and-a-class-how-the-coronavirus-is-spread-through-the-air.html

I found the school one particularly interesting.

Every country and every government are still learning . and at work we have been advised about ventilation as are schools so I am sure that has come from the government.

Very interesting link .

Very interesting and clear thanks.

so many places still don't keep doors and windows open all the time, it infuriates me! such an effective way to reduce risk and so simple.

Dragongirl10

I’m sure for all the people who can work from the comfort of their own warm homes, it must seem like an easy solution. Just open the windows and doors!

But the reality is that it’s becoming unbearably cold for the people forced to work/study in these conditions. It’s so cold in some classrooms that it’s painful and makes you ache. I’ve persisted with the open windows so far, but even I (the person who is scared to do anything but follow the school rules) is starting to think about ‘forgetting’ to open them.

It’s unbearable.

I think there should be a campaign about it.

It’s probably more important than hand sanitising and masks.

I’ve just walked past an exercise class in my local area. Nobody was one meter apart and all the doors and windows closed.

I run a small studio and have all the windows open, keep the door open and tell people to wrap up warm. I have the heating on. Never more than 3 at the moment either.

I understand for schools it’s different though as you are in a classroom for hours not moving about.

The airing thing could work?

Not convinced on integrated air con at all. Studies also shown its quite dangerous.
Many people against it.
The latest d of e stuff says basically.. School should have heating on and open windows and doors where possible.

The problem is the flow of information, keeping everyone in school on the same page. Some people would rather wear less and have the windows closed, even in covid times!

Leadership should be reading the riot act so it filters down.

Give them a few extra breaks and at that time air the room.

Also send letters to all parents, explaining, ventilation is key, please make sure your dc understand this and wear layers...

I'd love to fine students and parents who complain of the cold without special circs

Not air con, I think Germany have invested in air filtration systems that are very effective.

I mean how can you sing in a mask? There are "singing masks" with a bit of stiffening in to hold the mask away from the mouth so you're not swallowing cloth every time you take a breath.

It's not so long since we were worried about the numbers of elderly dying from hypothermia every year - it's why the winter fuel allowance was introduced. I can imagine that happening again, and not just the elderly. It's all very well having low temperatures if you're moving about, but if you sit still for any period you soon lose your heat.

I wonder whether the person who modelled this has been in a classroom recently?

Is the style of teaching different in Spain to the UK perhaps?
More talk and chalk?

Or another expert person who hasn't actually been in a classroom for a few decades?

Do UK schools not have heating on or just some schools?

Ours is normally turned on over half term.
But tbh even with it on its still cold, going to be even colder with the windows and doors open.

I have arthritis and the cold really infects my pain. I may well have to resort to fingerless gloves in the classroom when I go back. I've already invested in some thermal vests!

Airing the rooms might work but it will come done to space and timing. We have limited outdoor space and with bubbles, etc the timing of break times is already having to be done carefully. To ensure every class goes outside every hour is going to be tricky unfortunately. How long will rooms need to be 'aired' for too?

I wish the government would direct some money to schools.

They want to keep the schools open and they will only close as a very last resort. And fwiw most teachers do want schools open, regardless of what some MNetters would ave us believe. But the Government refuses to fund systems that would actually make schools more covid secure, nor put any of the necessary litigations into place.

Singing masks are very expensive and the one I bought for dd is too big for her.

Is the style of teaching different in Spain to the UK perhaps?
More talk and chalk?

Very likely, certainly France is all chalk and talk. DH works in an international British section in a French school. When he and a french colleague were discussing the protocol sanitaire for the classrooms (distancing, teacher up front, separate desks for each child) he pointed out how difficult it would be to do group work, debates etc and her response was “oh yes, you like to do these things on the Anglo side, don’t you?” ;-) Like he’d proposed teaching naked or something equally weird.

My kids school and the one I work in are windows/doors open. Dd3 (primary) has got herself a window seat as she doesn’t feel the cold easily. They’re allowed jumpers/hoodies etc over uniform. They have underfloor heating which is better than radiators under windows as in the secondary.
The secondary isn’t able to open some windows and others only open a couple of inches.