Is air con enough?

[Lisyloo725]

Hi ladies
My job involves visiting schools and observing lessons - and to be covid safe I’ve been asked to wear a mask and sit in doorways of classrooms.

There are some newer school buildings where ppl don’t open windows as the air is kind of ‘controlled’ air con(?).

I am currently pregnant and feel that this is not safe enough! Am I being daft?

It depends on what the air con is doing with the air.

If it's recirculating internal air, then yes, it's a problem because a school system isn't going to have the quality of filters necessary to remove covid. Indeed there's been some speculation that these type of systems make the problem worse because they carry the virus all over the building.

Thanks @notrub

What should I do then. My boss says “it’s safe” 😳

As I said it depends on the system in use. Have a read through this.

www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-ventilation-and-air-conditioning

Enquire about the air con type in the buildings of concern. If you have any concerns still bring them up with your boss. Unfortunately, unless you can get union support there isn't really anything you can do if your boss is insistent other than maybe fake some positive tests :)

As PP says I would ask the school to clarify that the ventilation system isn't recirculating air. The schools should be aware if there is a risk from the ventilation system as its something that was highlighted last year and the government has issued guidance regarding it. Just to ease your mind though it's not common practice in modern ventilation design, the supply and extract air is kept completely separate.

Thanks @LivingDeadGirlUK - the buildings are new within the last few years so they should be good systems.
I’ll find out a bit more - thanks all