Four people who attended a party in Princeton on Feb. 29, including two Princeton University staff members, have been confirmed to have COVID-19.
One person was confirmed to have COVID-19 on March 13, and the three additional cases were announced on March 15 by the Princeton Health Department, bringing the total to four laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Through interviews with the affected individuals, the Princeton Health Department determined that they had visited two colleges and a private school during the time that they were potentially infectious.
The newly diagnosed individuals reported being at the Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart in Princeton between March 4 and March 9; at Rutgers University between March 5 and March 9; and at the University of Delaware on March 6, Princeton Health Department officials said.
“Each of the locations has been notified of the individual’s exposure and symptoms to allow the identification of close contacts and to increase awareness of those exposed for potential development of symptoms,” Princeton Health Officer Jeffrey Grosser said.
Those who may be at risk from contact with the three individuals are encouraged to isolate themselves from others, Grosser said.
The common tie between the four individuals who have been confirmed to have COVID-19 is that they all attended the same party on Feb. 29, Grosser said.
But because several of them were circulating in the community before being asked to self-quarantine, “we must presume some level of community exposure has occurred,” Grosser said.
Princeton residents should monitor their health, especially those at highest risk, he said. This includes persons who are at least 60 years old, pregnant women and persons with underlying health issues – all of whom are encouraged to stay home.
The Princeton Health Department is urging resident to practice social distancing – avoiding non-essential travel, public events, community gatherings and indoor venues.
People should keep six feet between themselves and others, and avoid close contact such as hugging and handshakes. In-person meetings and gatherings should be limited.