Princeton Elementary Teacher Tests Positive For Coronavirus

PRINCETON, NJ — A Princeton teacher has tested positive for the new coronavirus and is currently in the hospital and beginning to feel better, school officials announced Thursday.

The teacher works at Riverside Elementary School but is not a Princeton resident. The Princeton Department of Health will be in touch with Riverside employees regarding next steps based on their contact with the teacher.

"Our thoughts are with that member of our school family," said Steve Cochrane Princeton superintendent in a letter to parents Thursday.

It is unclear if this case is also linked to the party in Princeton on Feb. 29.

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Cochrane reiterated some important reminders from Princeton's Department of Health:

• 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.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Practice social distancing stringently. This means: stay at home; avoid non-essential trips, and maintain a six-foot distance between other people if you must go out. For children this is

There were four previously positive laboratory confirmed coronavirus cases in Princeton. (See Related: Princeton Locals Test Positive For Coronavirus)

Princeton schools remain closed and have implemented remote learning from home through March 27. (See Related: Princeton Schools To Close For 2 Weeks, Start Alternate Plan)

Princeton also issued a State of Emergency last Friday. (See Related: Princeton Declares State Of Emergency After Coronavirus Confirmed)

Murphy announced 318 new cases of the coronavirus Thursday, raising the state total to 742. The virus has killed nine in New Jersey as of Thursday afternoon. Read more: Gov. Phil Murphy: 4 More NJ Coronavirus Deaths, 318 New Cases

He also ordered the closure of personal-care businesses by 8 p.m. Thursday. These include barber shops, salons, spas and tattoo parlors. (See Related: Gov. Phil Murphy: NJ Barbers, Salons, Spas Must Close)

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