MATTAPOISETT — Old Rochester Regional High School is taking precautionary measures to prevent the potential spread of coronavirus in the Tri-Town, but did not quarantine students who were on a trip to Southern Italy during winter break because it determined they posed no risk of infecting others.

Principal Michael Devoll consulted the Old Rochester district physician Steven Mendes, who said that these students pose no risk because of their trip’s location in Italy.

The group, which was away from Feb. 15 to Feb. 23, visited the southern cities of Rome and Sorrento, located approximately 500 miles from Milan, the city that contains the most cases in Italy. 

Principal Devoll was firm in his stance, stating, “We will not be quarantining students that will be returning from Italy, period”

The school will be closed on Saturday, March 7 and all activities  cancelled so that it can be thoroughly cleaned. 

On Feb. 27, the district sent a letter to parents which stated that they will be monitoring the health of their students and will provide updates as needed.

The letter recommended general precautions, such as washing hands regularly and keeping students home if they feel ill, and included a separate sheet that informed parents of symptoms that indicate that a child should stay home. 

For updates and more information concerning coronavirus, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html