The provincial government has set Monday, January 24th as the target date for a return to in-class instruction in the K-12 system.

Education Minister Tom Osborne says a final decision on the resumption date will be announced next Wednesday, “provided it is safe to do so.”

The return to in-person class instruction will be reliant on rapid test kits, which will be distributed to families in the coming days.

Each student and staff member will be provided with five tests.

They will be asked to take one test 72 hours before the first day of school, while a second test must be taken the morning of the start of the school day.

If both tests are negative, “you can return to class,” says Osborne.

Osborne says the remaining tests are available for those who are experiencing symptoms anytime after classes resume.

Anyone who has symptoms, must stay home, take a test, and another 72 hours later if the first test is negative.

Dr. Rosann Seviour provided a demonstration on how to do a rapid tests, which can be seen below.

Full instructions will also be included with the kits.