Minister of Education Slob about secondary schools: ‘It is safe’

Rob Bekema, the school’s caretaker, has taken the necessary measures to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Arrows on the ground should guide the students and on the teacher’s table is a ‘cough screen’: a plastic screen that stops splashes. “This way, a student can still ask a question to the teacher’s desk,” says Bekema.

Ventilation

The school in Alkmaar has also adapted the ventilation system. There is concern in education circles about the role of ventilation in the spread of the corona virus. The school in Alkmaar normally uses indoor and outdoor air. This has been adjusted due to corona: “We no longer recirculate the air, and only use the clean air. But that will lead to higher heating costs in the winter,” predicts the concierge.

Minister Slob says that if schools adhere to the applicable requirements from the Building Decree with regard to ventilation in school buildings, there is no reason for concern. “The vast majority of schools simply have their affairs in order. The schools receive support from the sector councils and the GGDs”, says Slob.

In the summer months it is advised to open windows, but in the cold winter months this becomes more difficult. Slob: “Then that will be a different story. I am working hard to support schools and will provide more information about this in the coming days.”

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