The TN Tatem Middle School, which has been closed for health reasons, will reopen on Monday.

The discovery of mould in the building, and the poor air quality, caused the Ministry of Education to shut the school’s doors as maintenance work was carried out. Yesterday the Acting Commissioner of Education, Freddie Evans, received final reports from the Bermuda Government safety and health co-ordinator, giving the go-ahead for the school to reopen.

Quoting from the report, Dr Evans said in a statement: “This is to confirm the progress and reinspections conducted at TN Tatem Middle School on February 16.

“All areas cleared have returned significantly lowered and acceptable levels of mould and respective species counts.

“Areas cleared are deemed to pose no immediate or significant threat to the health, safety and wellbeing of students or staff at this time.

“Some minor works are still in progress, such as reinstalling ceiling tiles in some classrooms, as well as, final painting works and associated undertakings.

“These works are to be expedited and are to be completed by the weekend, ending February 18.

“However, TN Tatem Middle School may be scheduled for reopening and occupancy.”

Dr Evans said the following areas will remain out of bounds with no access permissible to students or staff until remaining construction work, final mop-up and routine cleaning exercises are completed:

• Rooms: 223, 234 side room, 251

• Storeroom adjacent to room 314

• 3rd floor southeast female bathroom

• the gym

• the machine shop section (classroom 139 and adjoining workshops)

• education therapy side office

• the cafeteria

Dr Evans added: “All remaining construction works for the above listed restricted areas must be undertaken outside of and or after regular school hour.”

“I wish to thank the principal, deputy principal, teachers, staff, parents and especially our students for their co-operation and patience during this period.

“It has been a challenge but together we have managed to work through this and in the end we have a safer and healthier environment for TN Tatem family.”