Coronavirus

Just One Princeton University Student in ‘Self-Quarantine' After China Trip

The self-isolation is a precautionary measure

NBCUniversal, Inc.

What to Know

  • In response to the coronavirus outbreak, some Princeton University students -- including undergraduate and graduate students -- had self-quarantined after China trips as a precaution
  • By Tuesday night, only one student was still being assessed among the initially more than 100 who recently traveled to China
  • A university spokesman said Tuesday that all students assessed so far "have been low risk and do not need to self-quarantine."

Princeton University says only one student who recently traveled to China is still being assessed among those required to-isolate amid the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak in that country.

In response to the outbreak, Princeton University students — including undergraduate and graduate students — were put into self-isolation as of Sunday after China trips as a precaution, a university spokesperson confirms to News 4.

The students were told set to confine themselves for 14 days following their last time in mainland China, according to Michael Hotchkiss, deputy university spokesperson. The initial number of self-quarantined students was more than 100, but a university spokesman said late Monday that the state Department of Health issued new guidance leading to a big decline.

A university spokesman said Tuesday that all students assessed so far "have been low risk and do not need to self-quarantine." He said "No one is sick. No one has any symptoms."

Three people are currently being tested in New York City for the coronavirus, but it was not known if any of the cases have been confirmed yet. City officials are asking people to be aware, without overreacting. NBC New York’s Adam Kuperstein reports.

The self-isolation was a precautionary measure. There is no confirmed coronavirus case among the Princeton University community.

The university said it is continuing to respond to this situation based on the latest guidance from government and health officials.

Chang said that Princeton University is just one of the institutions of higher education "grappling with the same changing terrain and challenges" when it comes to the coronavirus outbreak.

The university will continue to monitor for new information about 2019-n-CoV coronavirus, including updated guidance from national authorities.

"We have taken this current health crisis very seriously and approached it as a community - at the same time, what we are experiencing is what is being experienced across this country," Chang said. "Our numbers do NOT reflect Princeton as exceptional or different in this current and ongoing health emergency." 

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