With Philadelphia schools closed, workers can resume asbestos removal

Related

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With schools closed for the rest of the year because of the coronavirus, the Philadelphia School District is using the time to do some asbestos and lead paint work. 

Superintendent William Hite said the state has declared asbestos abatement and lead paint removal in Philadelphia schools "essential" construction projects. He said that has allowed the district to resume abatement at some schools that weren't expected to be finished until summer. 

In a conference call with reporters, Hite said crews were also resuming asbestos inspections in the district's school buildings. 

Hite said the remediation work was being done with smaller crews, so that they can maintain social distancing.