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Bellingham School District tells group who returned from overseas trip to stay home next week amid coronavirus concerns

BELLINGHAM, Mass. — Another school district in Massachusetts is taking the coronavirus seriously, not allowing some students and staff to return to school next week after visiting a country where coronavirus is present.

The Bellingham superintendent told Boston 25 News that the move is a precaution and they’re not taking any risks. The school didn’t say how many people were in the group and what country they visited.

“I think what they’re doing is being proactive instead of reactive, which is, right now, what we need,” said Kirsten, the mother of one Bellingham student.

“I do think it’s a little absurd that they’re not letting those kids come to school, but I respect the fact that they’re making that decision,” said Maddox Kuchinsky, a student.

The school district provided the following statement to Boston 25 News:

“Out of an abundance of caution, and under the direction of the Bellingham Board of Health, we have asked these students and staff members to stay home from school next week. There is no need for concern at this time as this is a precautionary measure."

—  Bellingham Public Schools

“That means they’re on top of what’s going on nationally,” said Steven Kuchinsky. “If you had a school that wasn’t doing that, it would mean they’re not really paying attention to these steps.”

Some parents say it is concerning that the virus could be right here in their community, but they’re glad to know the school district is taking this seriously to protect all students. It could be several days before anyone shows any symptoms of the virus.

The school district says it will continue to monitor the situation and disinfect classrooms every night.

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