Princeton U. Asks Some To Self-Quarantine After Possible Exposure

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton University is asking people who were in close contact with the two University staff members — who were possibly exposed to the new coronavirus at an off-campus gathering — to self-quarantine on Wednesday.

The two staff members were at a party at a private home in town where two party-goers had tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). (See Related: 2 With Coronavirus Were At Princeton Party: Officials)

The two staff members have since been tested and are self-quarantined while awaiting test results.

"Individuals who were in close contact with the two staff members have been contacted and asked to self-quarantine as a precaution and in line with public health best practices. Contact tracing is standard practice in this type of public health situation," the University stated.

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On Monday, the University announced they will be moving to virtual instruction after spring break and will also cut back on the number of gatherings on campus due to growing concerns about the new coronavirus, officially called COVID-19. (See Related: Princeton U Begins Virtual Instruction Due To Coronavirus Concern)

Beginning March 23 the University will virtualize any activities — such as lectures, seminars and precepts — that can be put online. This effort is to "decrease the number of instances that require community members to gather in large groups or spend extended periods of time in close proximity with each other," Princeton University President Chris Eisgruber said.

Additionally, the number and size of campus gatherings and meetings will also be limited.
These new measures are being taken on top of the university's travel prohibitions to certain countries enforced last week. University-sponsored travel is prohibited for undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff until further notice to mainland China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. (See Related: Princeton University Prohibits Some Travel Over Coronavirus Fears)

These new policies will be in place through April 5, when the university will reassess the policies. To see Eisgruber's full letter click here.

Since the announcement of the possible exposure at the Princeton party, Stuart Country Day School has canceled all classes and Princeton Public Schools will close early on Monday to create a plan to be able to continue education at home in the event of a health-related school closure. (See Related: Princeton Schools To Close Early To Prepare For Coronavirus)

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

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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