Princeton Health Department Staff Tests Positive For COVID

PRINCETON, NJ — A staff member from the Princeton Health Department (PHD) recently tested positive for COVID-19, the department confirmed.

As the number of COVID-19 cases spike statewide and in town, health department officials say, “a positive test is not a surprise at this point given the amount of spread currently in our area.”

On Monday, officials were informed of an employee testing positive for coronavirus. After contact tracking, they found one potential ‘close contact’, who was asked to take a test. The results are pending.

PHD said they are taking precautions to ensure all employees are safe, as the department prepares to face the next few months of COVID case surge.

“The Princeton Health Department has been operating under the same safety protocols recommended by the CDC and NJ State public health officials since March of this year. As those protocols have been extended or modified by the state, our department has also followed suit and made the proper adjustments,” said Princeton Press and Media Communications Director, Fredrick Williams.

Staff members who are not required to be on site are working from home and those required to be on site or in the field – like nurses, inspectors, etc. - are working staggered schedules to limit the number of personnel in the office at any given time, said Williams.

Officials said all heath department employees wear masks during their duties in the office and when interacting with the public and businesses throughout the municipality.

“In addition to wearing masks, all other safety protocols are rigorously followed, including hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, disinfecting work surfaces and maintaining a safe distance from others while in various working environments ranging from people's homes to businesses,” said Williams.

But with cases surging, there is a possibility of more employees becoming infected by the virus. “The eventuality of one of our own personnel becoming infected spotlights the pervasiveness of COVID-19 and is an indicator of just how prolifically it can be spread during these winter months,” said Williams.

He said health care workers, public health officials, first responders, and essential employees of every type are at a higher risk of exposure and “have all endured infections within their ranks despite the safety measures they take.”

“The health department remains fully capable of carrying out its mission and appreciates all the support it has received from the Princeton community,” said Williams.

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