Princeton U. Tightens COVID Restrictions Amid Thanksgiving Surge

PRINCETON, NJ – On Saturday, Nov. 27 Princeton University updated its COVID-19 risk status to “moderate to high” due to the post-Thanksgiving coronavirus surge among undergraduate students.

From Nov. 20 to 26, a total of 39 positive cases were reported according to the University's COVID-19 dashboard, which was updated Monday afternoon. The University will now increase coronavirus testing frequency and has doubled down on masking mandates on campus. Princeton has also introduced a cap on all non-academic student gatherings. The updates were posted on the University’s COVID-19 resource page on Saturday.

The changes also come amid growing concerns about the new Omicron variant that was first detected in South Africa.

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According to the University’s updated guidelines, all undergraduate students, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to take two COVID-19 tests per week after returning to campus.

Fully-vaccinated graduate students will continue to test once every week, and students who are not fully vaccinated must test twice per week. Meanwhile, student-athletes participating in group practices and competitions will test three times per week.

Students traveling via plane, train or other public transportation,” are encouraged to get tested before leaving.

Students are required to wear masks in “all teaching and learning context.” This is a departure from the University’s earlier policy which relaxed guidance on face coverings.

Non-academic student gatherings have been restricted to 20 people until cases decrease, according to the updated policy.

Before Thanksgiving break, between Nov. 13 -19, 21 positive cases were reported by the University.

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