Every classroom in the country should be fitted with specialist devices that cleanse the air and help stem the spread of infections like Covid, strep A and flu.
He said that he wants to see air cleaning systems – sometimes known as HEPA [high-efficiency particulate absorbing] filters – installed as standard in every class setting. The devices can strip up to 99.9 percent of particles – including viruses, bacteria and allergens – out of the air being shared in a room and breathed in and out by its occupants.
“The tragedy is that they clearly still are and it’s pretty obvious what we are all going to be facing once again as everyone returns to school this week.” He warned that the current arrangement was leading to a two-tier system in the county and said that the devices should be provided on a universal basis instead.
The government set up a “marketplace” in December 2021 via which schools could purchase the kit at a discount. The two products that were made available cost £425 and £1,170 each at the reduced price. “The national scheme for monitors and air cleaning units has reopened and we have encouraged all of our schools to take up this offer.
A total of 33,836 cases of scarlet fever were notified in England between 9th September and 25th December, 2022 – compared to an average of just 2,670 for the same approximate period over the last five years. According to the NHS, most strep A infections are not serious and can be treated with antibiotics, but in rare cases, the infection can cause serious problems as a result of what is known as “invasive group A strep” .
“If your child does not seem to be seriously ill, you can usually look after them at home. They should feel better in a few days. Professor Hopkins said: “If your child is unwell and has a fever, they should stay home from school or nursery until they feel better and the fever has resolved.
THANK YOU for reporting on this 👏 Completely agree!