President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan would allow schools to apply for funds to improve ventilation in their buildings.
Bousted said: “I’m concerned that the government’s talked about suppression [of the virus] in schools, but not given schools and leaders the resources to really bring those into effect, like they have done in some states in America where every classroom has a ventilation unit. I’m concerned that taking away bubbles and mask wearing at a time where the autumn and winter’s coming on will lead to spirals of infection in schools now. They may not affect the adults in schools anything like as badly, because they will have been double vaccinated, but it will affect some because even the double vaccinated can be ill with COVID.”
Government guidance on ventilation released on July 30 said fresh air coming into a room can reduce the spread of coronavirus and advised that mechanical ventilation systems should be using a fresh air supply and not recirculating indoor air.
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “In line with existing guidance and the protective measures recommended for schools, indoor spaces should be kept well ventilated. Areas where ventilation is poor should be proactively identified so that steps can be taken to improve fresh air flow if needed.”
