Tasmanian school airflow data collected before borders open and COVID returns

The Education Department has carried out an assessment of school heating, cooling and ventilation as part of its regular data-gathering program, but no announcement has been made regarding physical works.

The Victorian Government announced last month it would provide 51,000 air purifiers to government and low-fee Catholic schools, and set up a shade sail grant scheme to increase outdoor education.

Tasmanian Labor education spokesperson Josh Willie said this should also occur in Tasmania.

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"Many of our school buildings are older, they may not be designed for adequate airflow or to be COVID-safe," he said.

"We've seen significant commitments from other states, what is our plan?

"We need to make sure that Tasmanian children are safe, that school staff are safe, and that there are no further disruptions to education where possible."

Only school children aged 12 and above have had access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID is known to spread in shared air, with British studies showing that improving air quality in poorly-ventilated classrooms was effective in reducing the risk of COVID spreading quickly.

Education Minister Sarah Courtney said data from the department's school assessment would guide government actions.

"These data are now being analysed to fully understand on an individual room basis the extent of heating, cooling, and ventilation in place," she said.

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"This will inform any action that may be required in relation to reducing the risks of COVID-19, which will be guided by Public Health advice.

"The Tasmanian Government work with schools on solutions that may be appropriate for their individual circumstances."

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