Photo: James Rojas/ WBZ NewsRadio
Updated 12/11/25 2:49 p.m.
MEDFORD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — An elementary school in Medford will be closed again on Friday amid a suspected norovirus outbreak.
Classes were also canceled Thursday at Roberts Elementary School after more than 130 students were reported absent on Wednesday. More than 20 staff members also called out sick.
"While the building has been deemed safe and clean by the Board of Health, District & School leaders have determined there would not be a reasonable number of students and staff members present to have a structured and safe learning environment," Medford Public Schools Interim Superintendent Suzanne Galusi said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
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After initial reports, residents like Dennis said were not surprised to learn of the outbreak.
"Well, I mean, it's the season. You know, it's cold, we just had that polar vortex. People are inside, they're a lot of running noses, kids are dirty, they're not, you know, into washing their hands, so it's not surprising. It's like a cruise ship."
All other schools in the district will remain open on Friday.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.