A GROUP called on the Department of Education and Department of Health to issue clearer guidelines on ventilation in classrooms to lessen the risk of Covid19 infection in schools.

“Ang Aral Pilipinas Coalition ay nananawgan sa Department of Education at Department of Health na maglabas ng malinaw na polisiya na magagamit ng mga magulang, mga guro upang protektahan ng mga bata,” Abbey Pangilinan, the group’s co-convenor, said.

It issued the call despite the issuance by DepEd of Order No. 39 which outlines health and safety guidelines for schools using in-person sessions.

Under DO No. 39, schools are required to “provide appropriate ventilation in enclosed and shared spaces,” which can be accomplished by opening windows and doors, employing exhaust fans and positioning fans near windows.

“Nakita natin na mayroon pa ring pangangailangan para sa mas malinaw na polisiya na specific to ventilation para ang mga guro at principal ay mas magiging equipped na ma-implement ito sa kani-kanilang paaralan,” Pangilinan said.

In order to assist teachers and school administrators in determining if a classroom is adequately ventilated, Aral Pilipinas is advocating for the implementation of the “Safe Schools Calculator,” an assessment tool based on scientific research.