Quincy Schools Issue Statement On Coronovirus Concerns In City

QUINCY, MA — Quincy Superintendent of Schools Richard DeCristofaro is urging students and residents to be supportive of Chinese neighbors and classmates amid fears of the coronavirus spreading in the United States and Asia. DeCristofaro sent a letter to parents, staff and students on Tuesday saying that the Quincy Schools are in contact with the Quincy Health Department about any protocol updates and that the risk for infection in Massachusetts remains low.

DeCristofaro's message also expressed support for the city's Asian population during what he called a "stressful" time.

"I want to acknowledge that this is a stressful situation for many students and families with relatives or friends living in or near the affected communities in China," he said in the statement. "I hope we can all express our support and concern for all of our QPS students, families and neighbors in the Quincy community and make an extra effort to be kind and positive in the coming days and weeks."

A Boston man in his twenties returning from Wuhan, China tested positive for coronavirus last week, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. It was the state's first confirmed case of the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified the department and the Boston Public Health Commission about the positive test Friday night.

It was the eighth case of coronavirus confirmed in the U.S. Officials said the man is a University of Massachusetts at Boston student who has been isolated since he sought medical care soon after returning to Massachusetts from a trip to Wuhan. His close contacts are being monitored for symptoms of the virus.

In recent days, schools the state have canceled trips to China, as well as suspended exchange programs.

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