By Donald Gilpin

New Jersey officials announced today, April 9, that there were 198 new deaths in the state in the past 24 hours from coronavirus (COVID-19), for a total of 1,700 deaths, with 3,748 additional positive tests for a total of 51,027 cases of the coronavirus statewide.

The Princeton Health Department (PHD) announced yesterday, April 8, a second COVID-19 death in Princeton, a male patient in his 80s.  He had pre-existing health conditions and was under medical care at the Princeton Care Center.

Upon testing positive for COVID-19, the patient was immediately moved to an isolated wing of the facility. The PHD is investigating potential exposure to other residents of the facility and staff.

Princeton now has 50 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, with the PHD currently monitoring 24 active cases. Twenty-four cases have recovered.

PHD continues to strongly recommend that all Princeton residents, workers, students, and visitors take the necessary precautions to protect themselves against coronavirus. Employers are urged to make sure workers are wearing face masks.

The New Jersey Department of Health announced today a total of 1,161 confirmed cases in Mercer County and 36 deaths from COVID-19. Across the state a total of 7,363 people are hospitalized with the coronavirus, including 1,523 in intensive care and 1,551 on ventilators, according to state officials.

On Tuesday New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy ordered all state and county parks to close. Also, customers and workers in all shops and supermarkets that are permitted to be open must wear masks or face coverings, and the number of customers inside at one time must be limited to half of capacity.

Princeton University reported yesterday, April 8, that of 18 students tested on campus three tested positive and have all met the criteria for discontinuation of isolation. Four students are still awaiting test results. Of 81 students tested off campus, 39 tested positive and are receiving appropriate treatment, and five tests are still pending.

Sixteen employees tested positive of which eight have recovered and eight are in their respective homes in self-isolation and receiving appropriate treatment. Ten employees who were tested are still awaiting results.

In an April 8 email to Princeton University faculty and staff, Provost Debbie Prentice announced a suspension of faculty and staff salary increases because of the impact of the crisis. She also noted that requests for new positions or hires would not be approved except on an exceptional basis, and called for cuts to all nonessential spending.

“Over the coming weeks, the central administration will be working with departments, centers, and operating areas across campus to find more ways to reduce costs and adjust our operations to meet the world we now live in,” Prentice wrote.

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