Warning issued over desk and ceiling fans in Irish schools and offices as they ‘recirculate virus droplets’

The Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment has issued a warning this afternoon around desk and ceiling fans in offices and schools as evidence shows they "may recirculate rather than remove virus droplets".

As part of their checklist for those returning to work and studies, it asks: "Have desk fans been removed and ceiling fans taken out of use in poorly ventilated areas?

"They may only recirculate the virus droplets rather than removing the virus from the workspace."

The warning comes as around 12,000 students are self-isolating in Ireland after being identified as close contacts of a case.

Although there has been widespread concern over the figures, the HSE has said most of the cases among children of school-going age are contracted in the community, and it remains a rarity to catch Covid in a class environment.

Dr. Colm Henry told RTE, "Covid-19 is not a serious illness in children.

"Of the 1,700 cases we have had in intensive care since the beginning of this pandemic, less than 30 has been amongst this age group."

Warning issued over desk and ceiling fans in schools and offices as they ‘recirculate virus droplets’ (Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)

As many return to the office, there are lengthy measures set to be in place to avoid the spread of Covid-19, among the top tips on how to ensure 'good ventilation', the department says:

• Let in as much fresh air as possible
• If workers share a space with others, the windows should be opened regularly, especially between users, to help reduce the risk
• Increasing natural cross-ventilation by opening windows/doors/vents, especially those opposite each other, will facilitate a quick exchange of room air for fresh air
• Air rooms, between users, or regularly throughout the day. i.e. open all windows and doors fully to maximise the workspace ventilation

Principals and Office Managers are reminded that "the larger the area, the lower the risk since the virus droplets will have a better chance to be diluted and less likely to build up."

From September 20, 2021, remote workers will begin to return to the workplace on a phased and staggered basis - but only for specific business needs.

Then after October 22, 2021, the requirement to work from home will be removed, and a return to physical attendance in workplaces will be allowed on a phased and cautious basis.