Earlier this afternoon, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed the first presumptive case of COVID-19 in the state. The patient, an older adult resident of Ramsey County, had recently traveled on a cruise ship with a known COVID-19 case. According to health officials, the patient began experiencing symptoms on February 25 and sought care yesterday. The patient is currently recovering, and is in isolation at home. At this time, the MDH has not changed its recommendations for childcare, schools, or institutes of higher education.
The MDH has set up a hotline for the public: 651-201-3920. The hotline is open until 8 p.m. tonight, March 6 and will be open from 9 am to 4:30 pm Saturday and Sunday.
ÑÇÉ«Ó°¿â continues to monitor this case, and as of the sending of this message, we have no immediate concerns for our campus community as this was a travel-related case — not a community transmission case. We continue to follow all procedures from the , , and regarding anyone who might present with any symptoms of influenza and/or coronavirus.
This update is an important reminder of our core principles as a community, and our calling to love all dear neighbors without distinction. While acknowledging the fear and uncertainty a virus outbreak can bring, St. Kate’s will not tolerate differential or prejudicial treatment of any member of our community based on their race, country of origin, or other social identity factors.
Please refer to this earlier message to the campus community for additional information.
To protect yourself and others, public health professionals recommend that you:
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Wash your hands often with soap and water; if that is not possible, use hand sanitizer.
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Cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
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Avoid close contact (touching or shaking hands) with people who are sick.
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Avoid touching our mouth, nose, and eyes.
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Stay home when you are sick.
Please visit our COVID-19 Information page for additional and up-to-date information.