Air quality inside nearly 40 public schools has been tested — with “only a small number of rooms affected”, according to Education Minister Randy Horton.

Two rooms at one school had to be closed for a clean-up operation, but there were no areas of concern in the vast majority of schools, said Mr. Horton in response to Parliamentary questions from the Opposition United Bermuda Party.

In answers released in the House of Assembly on Friday, Mr. Horton said indoor air quality at all of Bermuda’s 37 schools — including pre-schools, primary schools, middle schools, senior schools, a special school and a special programme — was tested in an extensive programme beginning in February.

It followed the mould crisis which forced the temporary closure of CedarBridge Academy for a $4 million clean-up campaign and led to sickness complaints from teachers.

Asked by the UBP for information on the results, Mr. Horton replied: “I am pleased to report that there were no areas of concern in the vast majority of public schools.

“In those situations where concerns were identified, only a small number of rooms were affected. The air samples show that there is no need for any schools to be closed, but in one case two rooms at one school had to be closed.”

Mr. Horton said samples were sent abroad for analysis in April and results were returned to the Ministry. They are currently being distributed to schools, while a schedule has been drawn up to allow each school administrator to analyse the results.

Any areas affected by mould will be cleaned, probably during the summer. The Ministry is in the process of working out the cost of this project.

All public schools also have their tank water tested for bacteria by the Department of Health at least once a year, Mr. Horton added.