(September 24, 2021) – Barry Petten, PC Opposition Shadow Minister of Education and MHA for Conception Bay South, is calling on the English School District and Minister Osborne to be more transparent about the COVID-19 situation in our schools.

“The COVID-19 situation in the province’s schools changes on a daily basis. Parents are hearing through media of potential exposures and the need for children to be tested. As case counts climb, I’m hearing concern from parents around the province,” said Petten.

“The cases at MacDonald Drive Elementary were learned of through media digging, not through notification by the school district. Now, a situation is unfolding in Twillingate where all students are being tested. The school district needs to be front-and-centre on these issues, keeping parents up-to-date on the latest developments.”

Petten says parents need as much information as possible to ensure they can make the right decisions for their children.

“We need regular media briefings from the school district, the department, and public health as often as required to ensure the parents of the province are informed on the COVID-19 situation in our schools,” said Petten.

Petten will hold a media availability at 1:30 p.m. in the lobby of Confederation Building to discuss the concerns he’s hearing from parents across the province.
 

Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca

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