Schools’ mitigation measures have been questioned as Covid-19 has been surging among pupils in the Isle of Man.

Levels of Covid-19 are currently highest in secondary schools.

In particular, the virus is affecting the 10 to 14 age group, who have not yet been vaccinated.

The government says that all educational settings maintain proportionate measures, including enhanced ventilation, carbon dioxide monitors and extra hygiene, and secondary students and all staff are encouraged to wear a face covering and take two lateral flow tests each week.

However, the reality of these proportionate measures has been called into question. Gareth Young, a secondary school teacher who recently stood in the House of Keys General Election, argued that the touted ’enhanced ventilation’ measures in place in schools amount to little more than open windows in classrooms.

He said: ’Essentially, we’ve opened the windows. That’s about it.

’The windows don’t open a great deal because of health and safety, and technically we’re not allowed to prop the fire doors open or anything like that because of the risk there as well.

’I know from our perspective, it becomes really difficult to hear [it] being spouted time and time again that we’ve got these processes in place where in reality, being able to "enhance ventilation" is just windows open, and that’s not really enhanced.’

He added: ’And then the CO2 monitors, I haven’t seen or heard any of them being installed in the school that I work in, or even in my children’s school as well.

’So I’m unsure what the department are talking about when it’s saying these things.’

He added that he viewed the department was engaging in ’a lot of pomp and circumstance around it but not a huge amount of action that we’re seeing at the moment on the ground.’

On Twitter, Garff MHK Daphne Caine also questioned the official Department of Education, Sport and Culture mitigation policy for Covid-19 in schools, questioning: ’What’s the point of 100 CO2 monitors across the education estate? That’s not many in each school.

’Also who sees the data? Parents can’t access it. Who monitors the monitors?

’Not many [are] wearing face masks, and limited ventilation will result in more cases.’

The Examiner asked the DESC how many CO2 monitors were actually currently in use in schools across the island.

A spokesperson said: ’Currently we have 140 CO2 monitors in use (at least one in each school) with the majority in our secondary schools.

’There are a further 200 on order.’

They added: ’The department continues to encourage students and staff to use two lateral flow devices each week and to wear face coverings where possible.’

Schools across the island have reported high student and staff absences in recent weeks.

The number of people unable to attend due to illnesses other than Covid have also risen sharply.

In fact the majority of those absent were unable to attend due to winter illnesses such as colds and flu, but vomiting bugs and Covid-19 were also listed as causes.

As a result, the government last week would not rule out telling whole year groups not to go into school and to instead work from home.

Absence levels are monitored by schools who will log a reason for absence if advised by parents.

So far this term, 328 students and 30 members of staff (358 total) who tested positive for Covid-19 have been confirmed within educational settings.

The DESC stated it was working closely with schools and University College Isle of Man (UCM) to offer support and assistance with supply teachers.

It also maintained that it follows the latest government guidance in relation to Covid-19.

A spokesperson for the DESC said: ’In line with this, if a student or staff member displays any Covid symptoms, they should stay at home and book a test online or by calling 111.

’If they test positive they should again follow the guidance and isolate accordingly.’

Dr Alex Allinson MHK, Minister for Education, Sport and Culture, said: ’This is a difficult time of year with winter illnesses spreading easily amongst young people.

’We are aware of some schools, particularly secondary schools, struggling more than others and we are doing what we can to help.

’If absence levels continue to rise in some of these settings then we might be forced to ask agreed year groups to work on set work from home. However, this would be a last resort.’

Meanwhile, the vaccine rollout for 12- to 15-year-olds began last weekend with clinics held island-wide for young people to get their single-dose vaccine.

On Saturday, 180 young people received their vaccine at the Chester Street Hub, and 175 received it at Queen Elizabeth II High School in Peel.

On Sunday, 174 received their dose at the Ramsey Cottage Hospital, and 174 received it at Castle Rushen High School.

So far, more than 1,000 young people aged 12 to 17 have received their jab. All 12- to 15-year-olds will be offered one dose of the vaccine.

Those with underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to Covid-19 and those who are household contacts of an immunosuppressed person are being offered two doses of the vaccine.

Forty-eight new cases of Covid-19 have been detected in the 24 hours before the Examiner went to press.

The number of active cases is 476 and three people are in hospital.