Statement Regarding COVID-19 Case at St. Thomas Academy

From Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens, Vicar for Catholic Education:

Across the twelve-county territory of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are 91 Catholic schools with over 3,700 employees serving over 29,000 students in prekindergarten through 12th grade. In partnership with our Catholic schools work to serve the good of the whole child: body, mind, and soul.

The Archdiocese was advised that the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed that a student at Saint Thomas Academy tested positive for COVID-19.  In our shared effort to help shield everyone, especially vulnerable populations and the elderly, from the possibility of contracting COVID-19, Saint Thomas Academy and Convent of the Visitation Catholic School will remain closed pending further advice from the MDH.  Because they share some programs, both schools closed March 12 as a precautionary measure after the Minnesota Department of Health confirmed that a Saint Thomas Academy parent had contracted the virus.

Please see the statements from Saint Thomas Academy, Convent of the Visitation and the Minnesota Department of Health for more information on the situation.

Please look for ongoing updates as more is known.  Schools should continue making preparations.

Together with Archbishop Hebda, I encourage our entire Catholic school community in praying for children and families affected by this illness.  The Archdiocese has asked for days of prayer and fasting on Wednesdays in solidarity with those who are sick, especially the family in our school community, and those who care for them, that they might find strength in their struggles.