By Anne Levin

The spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is a growing threat that continues to affect people across the globe. As of Tuesday, March 3, more than 90,000 people were recorded as having the virus, and more than 3,000 had died from its effects. But while cases are now being recorded in the United States — particularly in Washington state — there are currently none in New Jersey.

Gov. Phil Murphy held a news conference in Ewing Township on Monday to report on efforts to prepare for handling the virus, which was first reported in China, when and if it comes to New Jersey. Murphy set up a task force last month, and a crisis management team has been meeting daily, he said. “The overall risk right now is low, but we’re taking this seriously, aggressively doing everything we can to proactively get out ahead of anything that may be coming our way.”

In Princeton, efforts are underway to keep people informed and prepare for any outbreak of the virus. “We briefed all first responders last Friday,” said Jeff Grosser, the town’s health officer, early this week. “We’re making sure everybody has the most up-to-date information. It’s an evolving situation that will continue to change as testing labs come online and we’re able to test quicker.”

The Princeton University community was issued a letter this week from President Christopher L. Eisgruber about preparing for and mitigating impacts of the virus. “Our team is working tirelessly seven days a week to support the health and safety of our community in response to rapidly evolving circumstances and incomplete information,” he wrote.

Eisgruber urged students, faculty, and staff to work together. “Our top priority must be to support the health and well-being of our community as we continue to advance our teaching and research mission,” he wrote, referring to the disruption of international study necessitated by the outbreak. “Though we will try our best to minimize resulting burdens, I do not expect that we can eliminate them. Indeed, the virus has already disrupted study abroad programs and required changes to international travel plans at Princeton and on campuses across the nation and around the globe.”

Eisgruber said the faculty is being asked to identify strategies for continuing coursework under various scenarios, should anyone have to be isolated. He encouraged faculty and students to stay home or seek medical assistance if they are feeling ill rather than coming to class with a cold or fever.

The University’s Office of Emergency Management last week issued advice about travel to and from China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea. On its website, the office also focused on discrimination related to the virus. “In the wake of this outbreak, several universities have experienced the targeting and exclusion of Chinese individuals, individuals perceived to be Chinese, and individuals recently returned form China due to fear and misinformation about the virus,” it reads. “Acts of bias, discrimination, and harassment run counter to our University value and to Princeton’s policies, including our Respect for Others and Non-Discrimination policies, as well as our Statement on Diversity and Community.”

On Monday, Mercer County government officials met to discuss preparatory steps should the virus spread to the community. Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said the county’s public health division has been monitoring the outbreak and is in daily contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New Jersey Department of Health. Although the current likelihood of local exposure remains low, Hughes said his administration is remaining vigilant.

To stay healthy, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend getting a flu shot; covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve instead of your hands; avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth; staying home if you are sick; avoiding shaking hands; and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, and use an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Update from the office of Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes: Two presumptive positive cases in New Jersey were announced by state officials March 4 and 5. (A presumptive positive case means the sample tested positive for COVID-19 at a state lab and has been sent to the CDC for confirmation.) One individual, a male in his 30s, has been hospitalized in Bergen County since March 3. The second individual is hospitalized at Englewood Hospital in Bergen County. As of March 5, there are no known COVID-19 cases in Mercer County.

For more information about COVID-19, visit www.mercercounty.org/covid-19.