Quebec's School Reopening: A Cautionary Tale for the World, Experts Warn

As the world grappled with the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, various regions adopted different strategies for returning children to school. In Quebec, a rapid reopening approach drew sharp criticism from international experts, particularly a group of Australian ventilation specialists who unequivocally declared it an “example not to follow.” Their stark assessment highlighted significant concerns over the province’s handling of indoor air quality and its potential ramifications for public health.

The core of the issue, according to these experts, lay in Quebec's apparent disregard for proper ventilation and air purification within school environments. Despite overwhelming scientific consensus on the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the Quebec government seemed to prioritize other measures, leaving many classrooms vulnerable. This oversight was compounded by a notable lack of widespread CO2 monitor distribution—essential tools for assessing air quality—with only a meager 10 percent of Quebec classrooms initially equipped. Disturbingly, even among those few, 10 percent revealed concerning levels of poor air circulation.

Dr. David King, an esteemed expert from Monash University in Australia, voiced profound dismay, describing Quebec's ventilation strategy as