Directors, teachers and students will not hear the new rules for the coming school year until a week before school starts. The misery is inevitable. The developers of a modern ventilation system that removes aerosols before they can circulate are also waiting for a response from the Ministry of Education.
“No, we haven’t received any guidelines yet.” The “Krone” request from several teachers made those affected shake their heads. “On August 29, all schools, parents and students will be informed about the measures and offers for the start of the school,” reports the Ministry of Education. A week before school starts. Only Vienna on Friday – not for the first time – pushed the federal government forward and issued its own rules: Covid-positive teachers are not allowed to teach there.
Plan with four scenarios
It almost seems like it’s the first Corona summer for the Ministry of Education. A variant management plan that was published at the beginning of August is currently also in effect in the schools. This outlines four scenarios. The current situation serves scenario two. This means that “extensive PCR testing is not planned”.
Positive teachers in the classroom? “It’s hard for me to imagine”
Teacher representative Paul Kimberger is annoyed that teachers tested positive are allowed to teach by the federal government: “I can’t imagine it. Especially since it is impractical to believe that the mask can be worn continuously for eight hours.” The same also applies to children who have been proven to have tested positive. “Just unthinkable,” says Kimberger, who also directs the subject towards boarding schools: “Positive students come together there too. Some states have already announced that they will not allow positive people in the classes.”
Without a general testing strategy, this discussion is unnecessary anyway. Or do you go for regular testing without symptoms?
New ventilation system on hold
However, a new ventilation system can provide relief. The modern system at the Technical University of Graz costs 500 to 700 euros per classroom. Unlike conventional air filter systems, it removes aerosols immediately – before they can circulate in the room. “We tested the system in a school in Graz and also installed it in seminar rooms of the Technical University of Graz,” reports developer Christina Hopfe. The new development has also been presented to the Ministry of Education. “We are still waiting for an answer.”
In addition to the low noise level and easy installation, the benefits are clear: “With well-planned and installed exhaust air fans, the risk of infection is about eight times lower,” says Hopfe, who thinks it makes sense to measure the CO2 level in the classrooms before installation. “This allows you to determine whether the previous ventilation behavior is sufficient. You can get such a measuring device for 100 euros.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
