South Brunswick Schools Close; Residents Attended Princeton Party

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick Twp. made the decision to close schools Thursday and Friday, March 12 and 13, at the same time police revealed that two South Brunswick residents attended an ill-fated party in Princeton two weeks ago where multiple people were exposed to the coronavirus. Five people from that party have now tested positive for coronavirus, and the two South Brunswick residents who attended are also reporting symptoms.

Those two South Brunswick residents were being evaluated on Wednesday night, said South Brunswick police.

The residents have self-quarantined, said Police Chief Raymond Hayducka. He did not identify who they are.

"South Brunswick police and the Princeton Health Department have been coordinating in the investigation of a coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure that took place at a private party in Princeton on February 29," said police. "Two South Brunswick residents were at the event and may have been exposed to people who later tested positive. The two residents have complained of one or more symptoms and are being evaluated."

South Brunswick School District will be using remote learning on Thursday, March 12 and Friday March 13.

Related: Princeton Party Update: 3 More Test Positive For Coronavirus

In addition to closing schools, South Brunswick has also taken the precautionary step of closing the South Brunswick Senior Center for the next week.

Three Pennsylvania residents who attended that same private party in Princeton have presumptively tested positive for the coronavirus. Two individuals from the Boston area who also attended the party subsequently tested positive for coronavirus after returning home.

The results are considered “presumptive” until confirmed by the CDC. There is no estimate for how long the CDC will take to verify these results.

The Princeton Health Department has confirmed there were 47 people at the party, fourteen of whom were from Princeton and two from South Brunswick. Of those sixteen residents, all have been contacted: eleven complain of one or more symptoms and are being evaluated. All sixteen have been advised to self-quarantine at the present time and the immediate future. All are being followed for the development of signs and symptoms.

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STEPS TO FOLLOW

• Stay home if you are sick

• Monitor your symptoms

 Fever

 Cough

 Shortness of breath

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• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Do not reuse tissues after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Businesses are being advised to be supportive of staff in instances of illness.