Results of the "Indoor air" working group presented

Safe conditions in daycare centers and schools during the coronavirus pandemic are a concern for parents, school management, administration and, of course, politicians alike. A pilot project commissioned by the city council through Kommunale Immobilien formed the basis for the approach now being discussed.

Thanks to an initiative by Prof. Dr. Ulrich S. Schubert, the focus shifted to equipping schools and daycare centres with decentralized air purification devices. A decisive advantage is that these devices can be used very quickly. Especially in light of the rise in corona numbers and the increasing number of infections in daycare centers and schools, rapid action is required from all sides.

Ventilation alone helps, but has physical limits if it is too loud, too hot or too cold outside. Powerful but quiet and low-maintenance air purification devices are a good way to significantly reduce the viral load in rooms in the short termPowerful but quiet and low-maintenance air purification devices are a good way to significantly reduce the viral load in rooms in the short term. This also becomes essential in the warmer months of the year, as the air exchange during ventilation is much less efficient, but at the same time the more infectious virus mutants become increasingly dominant. This also becomes essential in the warmer months of the year, as the air exchange during ventilation is much less efficient here, but at the same time the more infectious virus mutants become increasingly dominant.

Cross-party consensus: we need better air in nurseries and schools

However, the purchase of these devices means a high financial burden. This is why Mayor Thomas Nitzsche, with the support of City Councillor Wolfgang Volkmer, set up an inter-party "Indoor Air Working Group", which prioritized the equipment for the devices.

Wolfgang Volkmer on the results: "The protection of children and staff can only be achieved jointly by politics, administration and civil society. An important building block here is a partnership between the administration and private initiatives. Quick, creative and uncomplicated solutions are needed to get ahead of the strong wave of infection."

Appeal for donations: Air purification devices for daycare centers and schools

Until the state has launched a funding guideline for improving indoor air quality, the civil society initiative "Operation Luftschloss" will be intensively involved. It has already successfully distributed 17 devices. As many more units are needed, donations are intended to help. A simple filter change is to be implemented unbureaucratically by the municipal real estate.

The Chairman of the Nanotechnology Foundation, Prof. Schubert, welcomes the results of the working group and the support of the "Operation Luftschloss" initiative. "It is essential to initiate massive investments as quickly as possible via state institutions and special-purpose enterprises of the city of Jena. Before that, the social commitment of companies, parents and foundations makes it possible to react directly and unbureaucratically to the current challenges for the benefit of the children in Jena".

Donated equipment that is not earmarked for a specific purpose is then distributed according to the defined prioritization.

• 4 rooms at the Breitscheidstraße support center due to the children's particularly high need for protection
• 30 rooms in daycare centers where children with high protection needs are cared for and masks are not possible
• Rooms in elementary school with children in particular need of protection or with unfavorable ventilation conditions

Lord Mayor Dr. Thomas Nitzsche on the work of the working group: "Members of the City Council have contributed to the consultations with great commitment and scientific expertise. Unfortunately, we cannot immediately equip all rooms with the necessary technology. Difficult decisions had to be made here. I am very grateful to everyone involved for the result of a non-partisan solution. Together, we are calling for donations for the safety of our youngest generation. The administration will make everything possible to ensure that every device is used quickly."