With kids across Nova Scotia heading back to school next week, the Houston government needs to have enhanced measures in place to protect our children.

Take-home rapid tests for students have been a key component in curbing the spread of COVID-19 and with the Houston government cutting out contact tracing for schools, they’ll be needed now more than ever.

“This government needs to ensure that rapid test kits will continue to be provided to each and every student, especially if they’ll no longer be told they’re a close contact of someone with the virus,” says Education critic Derek Mombourquette. “When kids get home from school next week, there should be rapid tests in their backpack.”

At Monday’s briefing, the government made it clear though that COVID-19 in schools will continue to be a foregone conclusion.

“If that’s the case, then parents and teachers can’t be finding out at the eleventh hour what the plan is for schools. Premier Houston needs to lay out at tomorrow’s briefing exactly what learning will look like if a school closes,” says Mombourquette. “No uncertainties. Nova Scotians need to know now what to expect.”