Princeton University Prohibits Some Travel Over Coronavirus Fears

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton University is now prohibiting travel to select countries over concerns about the novel coronavirus recently dubbed COVID-19.

"There is an understandably high level of concern as this virus spreads, and we are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Beyond mainland China, several other countries are now reporting localized COVID-19 outbreaks," the university announced Friday.

University-sponsored travel is now prohibited for undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff until further notice to Mainland China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran.

Students or staff returning from these countries are asked to complete a survey and self-quarantine for 14 days using these guidelines.

Additionally the University "strongly recommends canceling or rescheduling" any trips to Japan and Mongolia.

The University's new travel rules were set to align with the coronavirus-related travel health notices of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the coronavirus-related travel advisories of the U.S. Department of State (USDOS).

For more information on Princeton University's new travel rules click here.

There was one suspected coronavirus case in New Jersey this weekend that turned out to be negative, the state Department of Health reported late Saturday. There are no other people in New Jersey who are currently diagnosed with the disease or awaiting testing for the virus that causes COVID-19. (See Related: Update On Probe Into Suspected Coronavirus Case In NJ)

Officials say there have been more than 85,000 cases and nearly 3,000 deaths worldwide. More than 60 cases of the coronavirus have been diagnosed in the United States.

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