New Brunswick’s education minister has ordered all students travelling abroad to refrain from returning to school for two weeks in a bid to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Dominic Cardy has sent a letter to parents saying the order also applies to school staff, volunteers and family members related to students.

Meanwhile, the minister has cancelled all international school-related travel for the remainder of the school year.

There no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Atlantic Canada.

The CBC reports that a Moncton-area mother expressed concerns about high school students returning from Europe this week. Jill Foster said travellers should be told to self-quarantine as a precaution against COVID-19.

The CBC said that 50 Moncton high school students and chaperons departed Feb. 28 to visit Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France, and began the return trip Monday.