Newton Students Returning From Italy Asked To Stay Home Over Coronavirus Fears

A group of students and staff from Newton North High School is being told to stay home until further notice over fears that they may be infected with the new coronavirus.

In an email to parents, Superintendent David Fleishman said the group got back from a school trip to Italy on Saturday, and that the school consulted state and city health officials in making the district's decision.

At a press conference Monday, officials said the 19 students and three adults were asked to stay home as a precaution, but that no one in the group has shown symptoms of the virus.

Fleishman wrote that those affected will return to school once school leaders "have been advised that it is appropriate."

Two Rhode Island residents who returned from a school trip to Europe earlier this month have tested positive for the virus, state health officials said Sunday, and a third person who went on the trip is undergoing tests. All attendees are being asked to stay home for the next week.

A group of high school students in New Hampshire are also being asked to stay home this week after returning from a trip that included Italy, France and the U.K.