Coronavirus: Education minister says Ontario to review COVID-19 symptoms list for schools

Ontario’s education minister says he is considering shortening the list of COVID-19 symptoms that require kids to stay home from school.

Stephen Lecce says he is working with the province’s medical officials to consider possible changes to the list.

British Columbia shortened its list earlier this week by removing 10 symptoms, prompting Ontario to review the data behind that decision.

Officials in B.C. removed symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, and headaches from their list.

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Ontario’s school reopening plan requires parents to screen their children for COVID-19 symptoms and keep them home if they display signs of the virus.

Students suspected to have COVID-19 should be tested, must isolate while awaiting results, and cannot attend school in person. If their test is negative, they must wait at least 24 hours after their symptoms have resolved to go back to school.

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If the student does not get tested, they must have a diagnosis by a health care provider and can return to school after 24 hours of symptoms improving.

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the conditions under which students are allowed to return to school.