By Donald Gilpin

A female, over 90 years old, was confirmed by the Princeton Health Department (PHD) today, April 2, as the first death in Princeton from coronavirus (COVID-19). The woman may have contracted the coronavirus from a home health aide, whose contacts are being investigated by the PHD.

Princeton now has 32 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 20 of which are in isolation and being monitored by the PHD. Eleven cases have recovered.  Mercer County today reported totals of 386 cases and four deaths.

Gov. Phil Murphy today announced 182 new deaths, the state’s largest one-day jump, for a total of 537 deaths, and 3,489 new positive tests, for a total of 25,590 total coronavirus cases. Because of a backlog in testing results, the new deaths and cases reported today did not all come in the past 24 hours.

Almost half (47 percent) of the total deaths in the state have been residents over age 80, officials reported.

In its 3 p.m. update, the PHD continued to strongly recommend continued social distancing and urged that “all Princeton residents, workers, students, and visitors take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against novel coronavirus. Your health and the health of the community is our top priority.”

For more information, visit princetoncovid.org or covid19.nj.gov.