The Ontario government has updated its school and child care screening guidance.
Students and children experiencing either a runny nose or headache will be asked to stay home for 24 hours and can return to school or childcare if their symptoms are improving. A COVID-19 test will no longer be required.
If they're experiencing two or more symptoms, or have a fever or cough, they'll still be advised to stay home until they're able to consult with a healthcare provider and receive an alternate diagnosis or negative COVID-19 test.
"Ensuring that children can attend school with minimal interruption is an important part of their healthy growth and development," said Dr. David Williams, chief medical officer of health. "Based on a review of the current evidence and consulting with paediatric infectious diseases experts, we are updating the list of symptoms in the COVID-19 screening tool for schools and child care to ensure that our children receive the education and care that they need while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission."
The list also no longer includes abdominal pain or pink eye.
The revised guidance can be viewed here.
Ontario reported Thursday that the total number of COVID cases in schools was at 342 -- 188 of which are in students.
There have been no reported cases among students or staff so far in schools in Lambton-Kent.