November 2025
Professor Catherine Noakes, an expert in environmental engineering and airborne infection, describes her role advising the UK government during COVID‑19—particularly on how the virus spreads in schools and how to reduce risk. She explains that airborne transmission is the main route for COVID‑19, making ventilation and air cleaning crucial mitigation measures.
Her statement summarises findings from key research projects (such as CIVOS and Class‑ACT) showing that ventilation varies widely across schools, CO₂ monitors can help but require training and engagement, and HEPA air cleaners can reduce airborne particles and illness-related absences. She highlights the practical challenges: inconsistent ventilation in naturally ventilated classrooms, behavioural barriers to opening windows, limitations of UV‑C technology in UK schools, and the need for better building design and maintenance.
Professor Noakes emphasises that improving school environments—ventilation, air quality, and building standards—would benefit children’s health, learning, and resilience to future pandemics. She recommends updating building regulations, improving monitoring, regulating air‑cleaning technologies, increasing staff awareness, and investing strategically in healthier school environments.
