2 Princeton University Staffers Possibly Exposed To Coronavirus

PRINCETON, NJ — Two Princeton University staff members are under self-quarantine after possibly being exposed to the novel coronavirus at an off-campus gathering, the University announced Tuesday.

The staff members are currently being tested.

"The University is working with local health authorities to identify and contact those who may have been in close contact with the staff members since their potential exposure to COVID-19. The University also is following best practices in order to maintain the health and safety of the community including taking enhanced cleaning and disinfecting measures," the university stated.

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On Monday, the University announced they will be moving to virtual instruction after spring break and will also cut back on the number of gatherings on campus due to growing concerns about the new coronavirus, officially called COVID-19. (See Related: Princeton U Begins Virtual Instruction Due To Coronavirus Concern)

Beginning March 23 the University will virtualize any activities — such as lectures, seminars and precepts — that can be put online. This effort is to "decrease the number of instances that require community members to gather in large groups or spend extended periods of time in close proximity with each other," Princeton University President Chris Eisgruber said.

Additionally, the number and size of campus gatherings and meetings will also be limited.

These new measures are being taken on top of the university's travel prohibitions to certain countries enforced last week. University-sponsored travel is prohibited for undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff until further notice to mainland China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. (See Related: Princeton University Prohibits Some Travel Over Coronavirus Fears)

These new policies will be in place through April 5, when the university will reassess the policies. To see Eisgruber's full letter click here.

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

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