Princeton Schools To Close Early To Prepare For Coronavirus

PRINCETON, NJ — Princton Public Schools will close early on Monday to prepare for any potential future impact of the new coronavirus. Stuart Country Day School in Princeton also has cancelled all classes as of Wednesday and events through March 30 after learning that several people in the Princeton area were exposed to others who tested positive for new coronavirus.

The early dismissal on Monday will allow Princeton School staffers to come up with a plan to be able to continue education at home in the event of a health-related school closure.

Elementary schools and John Witherspoon will dismiss at 1 p.m. Princeton High School will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m.

"As we continue to take measures to ensure the physical health of our community, it is equally important to provide for our mental and emotional health – and that of our children. These are stressful times. As we think about and plan for worst-case scenarios, it is hard not to feel the fear and anxiety associated with those. That is natural. Nevertheless, it is in working calmly and collaboratively and in relying on the experience and advice of our health officials, that we will make the best decisions on behalf of our kids and all those for whom we care," Princeton Public Schools Superintendent Steve Cochrane said.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

Additionally, Stuart has decided to cancel classes beginning Wednesday out of an abundance of caution.

Students will be allowed in the building for 15 minute windows on Wednesday to pick-up any belongings they will need over break or afterward should they be unable to return to school. After 8 p.m. on Wednesday no one will be permitted on campus until further notice, the school stated.

"Given the nature and spread of the virus, we will continue to keep you updated on our return date to school. Should we not be able to open on March 30 we will begin to deliver remote learning," the school stated.

Additionally all Stuart events are canceled through March 30. This includes athletics, arts, academics and third-party and outdoor rentals.

Princeton health officials announced on Tuesday that two people who tested positive to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, attended a private party in Princeton. (See Related: 2 With Coronavirus Were At Princeton Party: Officials)

Two Princeton University staff members are also under self-quarantine after possibly being exposed to the novel coronavirus at an off-campus gathering, the University announced Tuesday. (See Related: 2 Princeton University Staffers Possibly Exposed To Coronavirus)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.