EMSB comments on the ventilation at schools and centres

The English Montreal School Board wishes to provide an update on the topic of ventilation of school and centre buildings in the system. 

“We are waiting for an announcement from the Ministry of Education and the recommendations from Santé Publique regarding the purchase and installation of air purifiers in our school and centre buildings,” stated EMSB Chair Joe Ortona. “Until then we will continue to use our mechanical or natural ventilation systems, which continue to be the most effective procedure.  We have always had to air out our classrooms by opening windows and that will not change, even with air purifiers.’

Mr. Ortona emphasized that the EMSB is acting prudently and expecting an announcement shortly. “We have already started an assessment on the needs of our network for buildings without mechanical ventilation system,” he said. “We should get the results of this analysis shortly, at which time we will inform our stakeholders of the Board’s position.”

Stated EMSB Interim Director General Evelyne Alfonsi: “In the context of the current pandemic, it is important to emphasize that the presence of air purifiers in classrooms does not imply that we can dismiss the necessary distancing and sanitary measures presently being applied in all of our facilities.”

About the English Montreal School Board

With a youth and adult sector population of more than 37, 000 students, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is the largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998, when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, our network consists of 77 schools and centres. For more details, visit the EMSB website at www.emsb.qc.ca.