ACT Opposition Leader Alistair Coe has declared the coronavirus pandemic has ended.
The comments were made on Thursday morning following the government's announcement of a staggered return of students to the classroom.
Mr Coe had backed away from the claim by Thursday afternoon, saying his comments were in the context of restrictions being eased.
The Canberra Liberals had been advocating for a quicker return to face-to-face learning.
Students in preschool, kindergarten, and years 1, 7, 11 and 12 will return to classes on May 18, with students in other years to return over the following weeks.
All students will be back in school by June 2.
Speaking on ABC radio on Thursday morning, Mr Coe said the pandemic was over and questioned why students had to wait several weeks to go back to school.
"I'm surprised that the government was not prepared for this, and that the government is surprised that the pandemic has ended," Mr Coe said.
"We're surprised that they need three weeks to get kids back into the classroom."
Mr Coe backtracked on his comments on Thursday afternoon.
He said they were made in the context of the fact the need for the most extreme restrictions had ended.
"So to that end, the ACT government should be prepared for this day, they should be prepared for what schools look like as the restrictions come off," Mr Coe said.
"And the context of these comments is clearly about making sure that the ACT government has a plan to rebuild our schools and rebuild our economy because so many people are dependent on the ACT government's management of this crisis."
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The Opposition Leader earlier said schools should have the capacity to have all students back at once from next week.
"It's vital that we get kids back into school, and if possible, I would love o see those year groups waiting until June 2 brought forward," he said.
In a statement he issued earlier on Thursday, Mr Coe said students and parents had been left in the lurch due to the government's decision.
"The Canberra Liberals unashamedly stand with parents and families in calling on all local schools being open from next week," he said.
"It's disappointing that after the ACT was the last jurisdiction to release a stimulus package, the ACT is also the last place to reopen schools."
Victoria has yet to announce when it will reopen its schools to students.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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