The education critic for the official opposition says while parents are relieved about the planned return to in-classroom instruction on January 24, questions remain.

Barry Petten says he’s glad families have been given some clarity towards getting children back into the classroom, but adds that certain accommodations must be made.

He says the speed by which the province distributes the rapid tests should be the top priority of all in order to ensure the safe return to schools.

Petten says members of the community have voiced concerns about immunocompromised children safely accessing their education. He’s calling for a hybrid learning model, “to ensure that no child falls through the cracks.”

Meanwhile, the NDP questions whether government will have enough rapid tests to fulfill the need.

Interim leader Jim Dinn worries students and staff will quickly blow through their allotment of five tests each. Dinn says what happens after that remains to be seen.

He says there doesn’t appear to be a plan to replenish the tests, adding if government thinks five per family will be enough to get through the school year, “we’re living in a fool’s paradise.”