Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy takes part in a technical briefing on Jan. 24 (Image via GNB YouTube)
2,000 HEPA Filters will be installed in the 60 New Brunswick schools that do not possess integrated mechanical ventilation systems.
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy announced the $3 million investment on Monday.
The minister acknowledged the skepticism he has publicly shared on the use of HEPA filters and noted an expert review was conducted on their usage.
“Our report found that when they are properly installed, operated and maintained they can serve as an additional line of defence to support the reduction and propagation of airborne COVID particles in classrooms without mechanical ventilation systems, as long as they are coupled with masking,” Cardy said during a technical briefing.
It’s expected all these units will be installed by Jan. 31, which is when students are expected to return to school.
Cardy noted while he is hopeful all students can resume in-person learning on Monday, the final decision will be made based on input from Public Health.
When the return does occur, teachers will be equipped with KN-95 masks or better, the minister confirmed.
Officials are exploring options to ensure they have the adequate staff to continue teaching in-person even if multiple teachers are in isolation. This includes working with trade unions on mobility agreements to allow staff to move between schools and discussing foreign credential recognition to allow teachers to step in and help.
Several changes to the measures enforced at schools were announced ahead of the holiday break and can be found here.
Data last updated Dec. 22 shows there have been 897 COVID-19 cases in New Brunswick schools since Sept. 7.
