New Zealand’s readiness for future pandemics is under scrutiny as experts warn about poor air quality in school classrooms. Dr. Amanda Kvalsvig, an epidemiologist with paediatric expertise, explains that inadequate ventilation allows respiratory viruses to spread rapidly among children, who then pass infections to families and communities. This contributes to outbreaks of Covid-19, asthma flare-ups, and other respiratory illnesses, increasing pressure on hospital emergency departments.
Dr. Kvalsvig describes classrooms as “a train of dominoes,” where infections among children trigger waves of illness through the community each winter, involving not only Covid-19 but also influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). With a more infectious Covid-19 subvariant emerging, she warns that New Zealand’s current measures are insufficient to control virus spread in schools.
She states, “every winter we fail that test,” referring to the country’s pandemic preparedness. If a new virus enters undetected, schools will likely become initial hotspots due to close contact in poorly ventilated space, and that improving air quality in schools is crucial.
“If we make the air in schools safe… every classroom we do that is another building block in our pandemic preparedness,” she added.
Pandemic fatigue has led to neglect of air filtration systems introduced in some schools, a phenomenon Dr. Kvalsvig calls “pandemic amnesia.” She stresses that clean, fresh air protects children from infections and air pollution, which harms lung and brain development. Proper ventilation, air filtration, and the use of ultraviolet (UV) light devices to kill viruses are necessary, as simply opening windows is not enough.
Despite a 2022 government report identifying teachers as a high-risk group for Covid-19, no action followed, prompting calls for a coordinated national Covid-19 strategy. Dr. Kvalsvig also supports booster vaccinations for under-18s, citing research showing clear health benefits, contrasting with recent U.S. policy changes.
Leading research projects on Covid-19 and its long-term effects, Dr. Kvalsvig highlights that marginalised groups and those with pre-existing conditions face greater risks.
“Pandemics tend to cast these very long shadows of ill-health… so long after the emergency phase has passed, that shadow persists,” she stated.
Globally, the World Health Organization stresses the importance of ventilation and air filtration in schools. Countries like Finland and Japan have implemented strict air quality standards, reducing illness and improving learning outcomes. New Zealand has a vital opportunity to adopt similar measures to protect children’s health and strengthen pandemic preparedness.