Schools and school transport are not allowed to close their windows when it rains as per national public health guidelines, Education Minister Owen Bonnici confirmed last night.

“Health protocols clearly state that windows must remain open for ventilation reasons,” Bonnici said during a debate with PN MP Clyde Puli last night. “I hope no one is suggesting that we shouldn’t follow this advice.”

Indeed, public health guidelines for schools state that windows and doors must remain open throughout the day to allow for cross ventilation and allow no exception for rainy days.

However, NET TV presenter Robert Cremona warned last night that, with the rainy season kicking in, a number of parents and teachers have already flagged this problem.

During the debate, Puli kept challenging Bonnici to set an empirical “red line” for the rate of COVID-19 transmission which, once crossed, will prompt schools to close down again.

However, Bonnici refused to go down that path, arguing such decisions rest with the public health authorities.

What do you make of this health protocol for schools and school transport?