Braintree Coronavirus: School Canceled Next Two Weeks

BRAINTREE, MA — School officials have closed all public schools in Braintree for the next two weeks following growing concern surrounding the new coronavirus. School will be closed from Monday through March 27, and school officials expect classes to resume on March 30.

School officials said further updates will follow in the next few days with additional information regarding opportunities for student learning packets and "grab-and-go" meals.

"We understand the hardship that this places on families and we appreciate your continued support as we navigate this evolving public health emergency," Superintendent Frank Hackett said in astatement. "If you have any questions or concerns regarding our schools, please feel free to contact the Superintendent’s Office at 781-380-0130."

As of Wednesday there were 95 cases of coronavirus in Massachusetts, including 23 in Norfolk County.

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The disease, which apparently originated in animals, is now being transmitted from person to person, although the mechanism is not yet fully understood. Its symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath, and many patients develop pneumonia. There is as yet no vaccine against COVID-19 and no antiviral treatment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way of to prevent the disease is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

To avoid spreading any respiratory illness, the CDC recommends staying at home if you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Massachusetts coronavirus coverage:

• MA Coronavirus Cases Hit 95, More Than 1,000 Quarantined
• MA Coronavirus Cases Hit 92 As State Of Emergency Declared
• Coronavirus: MIAA Scrambles To Finish Basketball, Hockey Playoffs