Princeton Schools Staff Member Tests Positive For COVID-19

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Public Schools announced that a staff member at Community Park Elementary School tested positive for COVID-19 last Saturday.

According to the school district, the staff member was at the Community Park school last Wednesday but had limited contact with other staff members. No students were present at the time.

“The Department of Health has already been in touch with PPS staff who might have had any prolonged contact with this individual. The staff member will continue to be monitored and quarantined for at least 14 days,” interim Superintended Barry Galasso said in a statement.

The Princeton Health Department said the staff member was asymptomatic.

Elementary schools in the district reopened for in-person classes on Monday. The Health Department said schools were safe to reopen. It said it was collaborating with different departments – school administrators, nurses and contact tracing staff - to ensure the safety of students and staff.

“Each partner bears responsibility for portions of the response to assure every effort is made to control the spread of COVID-19 in the community,” the department said in a statement.

Students from pre-K, kindergarten and first grade who opted for the hybrid track returned to school buildings on Monday, a week earlier than scheduled.

Read More Here: Princeton Schools To Begin Hybrid Learning Earlier Than Planned

Meanwhile the district has asked community members to remain vigilant against the virus, especially since students have begun to return to school.

They released a set of reminders for students, parents, guardians and community members:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes and properly dispose of tissues.
• Limit close contact with people who are sick and do not share food, drinks or utensils.
• Practice physical distancing (stay at least 6 feet apart).
• Wear a face covering while in school; and
• Monitor your health for symptoms.