Princeton U Begins Virtual Instruction Due To Coronavirus Concern

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton University will move 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.

Princeton University President Chris Eisgruber sent a letter Monday morning to students and staff about the update to the school's policies.

"Since I last wrote to you, the epidemic has progressed," Eisgruber said. "Though we continue to believe the risk of transmission on our campus is currently low, we know that community spread is occurring in various parts of the United States, including in the state of New York, which has declared a state of emergency. University campuses in the Ivy League and elsewhere are adapting policies in response."

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," Eisgruber said.

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"While much remains unknown about COVID-19’s epidemiology and impact, our medical advisers tell us that we should proceed on the assumption that the virus will spread more broadly and eventually reach our campus," Eisgruber said. "They also tell us that the best time to put in place policies to slow the spread of the virus is now, before we begin to see cases on our campus, rather than later. Acting now will also give students who wish to do so the option to stay home after Spring Break and meet academic requirements remotely."

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.

As of Sunday, six presumptive positive cases of the new coronavirus were identified in New Jersey, state officials announced. Investigations were also underway for potential cases in nine New Jersey counties. (See Related: 6 NJ Presumptive Positive Coronavirus Cases; Probes in 9 Counties)

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