2 With Coronavirus Were At Princeton Party: Officials

PRINCETON, NJ — Two people who tested positive to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, attended a private party in Princeton, officials announced Tuesday.

The two people at the party in Princeton had previously attended the Biogen Conference in Boston, which has been linked to the coronavirus. When they went back to their homes in the Boston area, they tested positive for coronavirus, said Princeton Health Officer Jeffrey C. Grosser.

There were about 30 people at the party, not all of whom are Princeton residents. The Princeton Health Department is investigating and contacting all of the Princeton residents who attended the party and working with other local health jurisdictions where the other attendees reside.

Anyone who was at the party is being asked to self-quarantine until assessment and any testing is completed.

The development came a day after Princeton University said it will begin virtual instruction after spring break and will also cut back on the number of gatherings on campus because of the growing concerns about the new coronavirus.

New Jersey health officials also announced the first death from the coronavirus in the state on Tuesday. Read more: First NJ Coronavirus Death, 4 New Cases: Governor.

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Currently, the immediate risk to the general Princeton population remains low, Grosser said.

The Princeton Health Department will continue to update the public as more information becomes available.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases the Princeton Health Department offered these tips:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time (or the length of time it takes to sing happy birthday twice). Soap and water are preferred to hand sanitizer, and are usually more readily available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Do not reuse tissues after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Businesses are being advised to be supportive of staff in instances of illness.

On Monday, Governor Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency and a public health emergency, effective immediately, to ramp up New Jersey's efforts to contain the spread of the new coronavirus. (See Related: NJ Gov. Murphy Declares State Of Emergency Because Of Coronavirus)

Murphy declared the emergency soon after officials announced that the number of new coronavirus cases in New Jersey nearly doubled since Sunday. Five additional cases were identified on Monday; the state's overall number is now 11.

Among the five new cases was a 48-year-old from Berkeley Heights whose symptoms developed on March 1. The person was hospitalized at Overlook Medical Center in Summit. He had symptomatic friends from Italy, but they all tested negative.

• See Related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

For more information on COVID-19:

• CDC: General Information on Coronavirus: cdc.gov/coronavirus
• CDC: Frequently Asked Questions: cdc.gov/coronavirus
• NJ Department of Health, COVID-19: nj.gov/health
• Call the NJDOH COVID-19 Hotline, 24/7, at 1-800-222-1222.

The Princeton Health Department can be reached at 609-497-7608 for additional information.

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