Princeton Party Update: 3 More Test Positive For Coronavirus

PRINCETON, NJ — Three Pennsylvania residents who attended a private party in Princeton have "presumptively" tested positive for the coronavirus, Princeton Health Officials said Wednesday.

Princeton's Health Department was notified of the positive tests from Pennsylvania on Wednesday morning after the residents returned home.

The three residents attended the same party on Feb. 29 at a private Princeton home where two people from the Boston area found they tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) after returning home, according to the Princeton Health Department. (See Related: 2 With Coronavirus Were At Princeton Party: Officials)

"The results are considered 'presumptive' until confirmed by the CDC. There is no estimate for how long the CDC will take to verify these results," said Princeton Health Officer Jeffrey C. Grosser.

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

All 14 Princeton residents have been contacted and nine of those are complaining of one or more symptoms and are being evaluated, Grosser said.

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

"We are committed to continually inform the Princeton community of our ongoing investigation," Grosser said.

"The Municipality is monitoring the CDC recommendations closely and our Health Department has been doing an excellent job of keeping us and our residents up to date. Residents should use common sense practices, like staying home if sick, and they should keep checking communications to stay informed. Thanks to our local media channels for helping get the word out as we work to keep everyone informed," Princeton Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros said.

Developments in the new coronavirus outbreak continue to unfold rapidly in New Jersey now that the number of cases has risen to 23, and one person has died.

• See Related: Coronavirus NJ: 8 New Cases, State Total Rises To 23
• Related: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Pennsylvania now has 15 cases of the new coronavirus. (See Related: Pennsylvania Coronavirus Case Count Up To 15)

WHAT IS COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that include the common cold as well as much more serious diseases. The strain that emerged in China in late 2019, also called COVID-19, is related to others that have caused serious outbreaks in recent years, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was on Jan. 21.

The disease, which apparently originated in animals, is now transferring from person to person, although the mechanism is not yet fully understood. Its symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath, and many patients develop pneumonia. There is as yet no vaccine against COVID-19 and no antiviral treatment.

According to the CDC, the best way to prevent the disease is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

To avoid spreading any respiratory illness, the CDC recommends staying at home when you are sick, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a health care professional recommends it. A face mask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. The use of face masks also is crucial for health workers and other people who are taking care of someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Residents who have questions about the virus can contact the State of New Jersey's hotline at 800-222-1222. The hotline is home of the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System, and is staffed 24 hours a day by state health workers.

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