Calls for classrooms to be fitted with CO2 monitors

Every classroom should be fitted with a CO2 monitor before winter, according to an expert group set up to advise the Government on the role of ventilation in fighting Covid-19. 

It says the public message around the importance of good ventilation has been inadequate. 

Experts claim increased air flow indoors can reduce the risk of contracting the virus by 50 per cent. 

Member of the expert ventilation group Dr Orla Hegarty says schools suffered through last winter.  

"They opened all the windows and they were very cold and uncomfortable, because they didn't know when to stop.

"If we provide CO2 monitoring in schools you can find a happy balance because you can in real time assess where the risk conditions are rising, and then you can open the windows for 15 minutes or you can take the class outside for 15 minutes."