NSW classrooms still being assessed for ventilation weeks before return to school

In less than a month, students across NSW will return to face-to-face learning, but classrooms are still being assessed for ventilation.

The state government has not yet ordered any air purifiers for Sydney schools, and questions are being asked about whether their COVID-safe plan is on track.

"Why hasn't the Government purchased one air purifier for NSW schools, when other states have purchased 50,000?" Deputy Labor Leader Prue Car said.

READ MORE: NSW records 1043 new local COVID-19 cases, 11 further deaths

Today, 37 air purifiers were privately installed at Claremont College in Randwick as part of its plan to return safely to school.

"There's a lot of uncertainty but this gives us a good sense of confidence," Principal Doug Thomas told 9News.

Jeremy Senior from Samsung said the purifiers have a HEPA filter, which "proven to capture even the smallest of particles."

"Clearly what they will be able to do is reduce risk of transmission between children," UNSW Professor Donna Green said.

Anthony Manning from School Infrastructure NSW said it has looked at 300,000 windows, 93,000 internal fans and nearly 10,000 extractor fans.

Natural ventilation through an open window remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk of coronavirus but questions are being asked about what a school does in the event of extreme weather such as heat, rain, or bushfire smoke.