Three more Princeton residents test positive for COVID-19

Three more Princeton residents have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the total number of local cases that have been confirmed by the state to 10 people.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health, the state has received a total of 58 positive COVID-19 test results for residents in Mercer County so far.

One teacher from Riverside Elementary School who is not a Princeton resident is hospitalized. Two healthcare workers who are residents of Princeton have tested positive.

Local health officials reported Tuesday that one resident who has tested positive is a female, and nine are male. Five of the residents are between the ages of 18 and 65. Three are older than 65. The ages of two people are not accounted for in the latest local health department update. (Editor’s note: On March 15, Stuart Country Day School reported to parents that they had been contacted by Princeton health officials and were informed that a family of three, including a daughter at the school, had tested positive. Both parents and the middle school daughter at Stuart were reported to be symptom-free but self-quarantining. A spokesman for the local health department said Tuesday that the family may not actually live in Princeton., but it is still unclear whether that is the case.)

Princeton University

Princeton University officials reported to the campus community Sunday that five students and 10 staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus so far. The 10 staff members who tested positive are in their homes in self-isolation. One student living on campus has tested positive and is in isolation, and four students off-campus have tested positive.

School officials announced Monday night that Princeton University Health Services was closing down the overnight infirmary at the school on March 23. The overnight infirmary service will reopen on March 31. Health Services is still open during regular business hours.

“The temporary suspension of this service is being made as a precautionary public health measure related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on UHS staffing,” reads a university statement about the closure. “The university recognizes that the infirmary service is an important health resource for Princeton students. In close collaboration with many campus partners, UHS will do everything possible to limit the closure’s disruption to other services and campus needs, ensure care continuity for students during the closure, and to prepare for its reopening next week.”

institute for Advanced Study

Officials at the Institute for Advanced Study said there are currently no active cases of COVID-19 on the Institute campus. As a precautionary measure, staff and scholars began working from home on March 18. Based on the state lock-down order, the campus was closed to all non-essential personnel, effective March 23 at 5 p.m.

“Our administration is taking every possible precaution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of IAS staff and scholars and the Princeton community at large,” IAS Spokesperson Lee Sandberg said. “This includes but is not limited to following CDC guidelines and being in full compliance with the governor’s executive order. IAS maintains regular remote contact with its community and is providing guidance and resources as needed.”

One visitor was on the IAS campus two weeks ago and did not have any symptoms at the time, Sandberg said. The visitor subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. The visitor, who is no longer on the IAS campus, has self-isolated. Everyone who may have had direct contact with that individual was advised to self quarantine. Officials at IAS informed its community of the development without disclosing the identity of the individual who tested positive, Sandberg said.