Schools In Mendota Heights Close After Coronavirus Case Confirmed

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN — St. Thomas Academy and Visitation School classes have been canceled after a STA parent was confirmed to have coronavirus, or COVID-19, on Wednesday. The parent has not visited campus, according to the head of STA.

"Out of an abundance of caution, and as we gather additional information, we are canceling school and all activities on campus tomorrow, Thursday, March 12," Headmaster John Crowley wrote in a note to parents and students, according to KARE 11.

"Out of practicality and proximity of Spring Break we are extending the closing to Friday, March 13 as well," Crowley wrote.

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Kelly McCarthy, chief of Mendota Heights police, also released a statement on the case:

"As many of you know, St. Thomas Academy has started their spring break early because a parent of a student has tested positive for COVID 19," McCarthy said.

"We are in communication with the school, the County, and the State and will bring you more information as it becomes available."

"We would like to be made aware of people in the area who are on self-imposed isolation or families in our community who have limited access to food (and if schools shut down, perhaps no access), but we know the issues surrounding the Government making such 'lists'. We have a meeting (teleconference) at 11:00 and another at 1:00 PM and will have more information then."

The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that the most important thing Minnesotans can do right now to protect themselves, their families and their communities is to take everyday steps to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Those include:

• Staying home if you have cold or flu-like symptoms and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into your sleeve , and then throwing the tissue in the trash.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds , especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face – especially your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Read more:

• Coronavirus: Another Case In Twin Cities Confirmed
• University Of Minnesota Suspends In-Person Classes
• Gov. Tim Walz Authorizes Funds For Coronavirus Response
• Target Sets Purchase Limits Amid New Coronavirus Outbreak
• Gophers Game, Big Ten Tournament Canceled