3 More Princeton Locals Test Positive For Coronavirus

PRINCETON, NJ — Three more Princeton residents have tested positive for the new coronavirus, the Princeton Health Department (PHD) announced Sunday.

This brings Princeton's total confirmed coronavirus infections to four following the announcement on Friday of the first confirmed case. (See Related: Princeton Woman Is Town's 1st Positive Case Of Coronavirus)

All four had attended the same private party on Feb. 29 where two people from the Boston area were later tested and found to be positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) when they went back to Massachusetts. (See Related: Princeton Party Update: 3 More Test Positive For Coronavirus)

Princeton health officials interviewed the three people and found they went to the following locations while potentially infectious:

• Stuart Country Day School – March 4 thru March 9
• Rutgers University – March 5 thru March 9
• University of Delaware – March 6

"Each of the locations above have been notified of the individual's exposure and symptoms to allow the identification of close contacts and to increase awareness of those exposed for potential development of symptoms, and to encourage isolation of those who may be at risk from contact with these individuals," Princeton Health Officer Jeffrey C. Grosser said

"However, as several of the persons involved were in the community prior to being requested to isolate, we must presume some level of community exposure has occurred. All people of Princeton, especially those at highest risk, should monitor their own health, as outlined below," Grosser said.

Princeton declared a State of Emergency on Friday and implemented several changes and closures in town. (See Related: Princeton Declares State Of Emergency After Coronavirus Confirmed)

There were 47 people found to be at the party of which 14 were Princeton residents, Grosser said.

All 14 residents were told to self-quarantine and are being followed for the development of signs and symptoms.

Princeton is encouraging residents to practice social distancing:

• Avoid non-essential travel, public events, community gatherings, and indoor venues.
• Keep at least six feet between yourself and another person in all public places
• Avoid close contact, including handshakes and hugging
• Limit in-person meetings and gatherings

Those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women and the elderly are strongly encouraged to stay at home.

Additionally, Princeton University reported a third staff member has tested positive for COVID-19.

"All three staff members remain in self-isolation, and we are working to ensure they have the support and access to care that they need. Positive test results for the other two staff members were announced March 13 and 14. Close contacts of the newly diagnosed staff member will be contacted by University Health Services," the University stated Sunday.

All Princeton Public Schools and Stuart Day School have since closed and are implementing a learning from home plan due to new coronavirus concerns. (See Related: Princeton Schools To Close For 2 Weeks, Start Alternate Plan)

All classes at Princeton University are being moved online and all students are being asked to leave campus by March 19 due to the new coronavirus concerns. (See Related: Coronavirus: Princeton University Moves All Classes Online)

Princeton is offering these tips to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses such as COVID-2019 and other disease:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Limit close contact, like kissing and sharing cups or utensils
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hands).
• Facemasks are most effective when used appropriately by health care workers and those directly caring for people who are sick and by people who are sick.
• Get a flu immunization if you have not done so this season.

Gov. Phil Murphy said on Sunday that New Jersey is considering a curfew now that the number of coronavirus cases has risen to 98, and two people have died. Thirty-one new cases were announced on Sunday. (See Related: NJ Coronavirus Update: Gov. Murphy Considers Curfew, 31 New Cases)

Additionally, Murphy announced New Jersey's second death due to the coronavirus on Saturday evening. (See Related: 2nd Death Due To Coronavirus In New Jersey)

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