A student at St. Thomas Academy has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a March 15 statement from Bishop Andrew Cozzens, vicar for Catholic education in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

The student was the first known teenager in the state to be infected by the novel coronavirus.

St. Thomas Academy and neighboring Visitation School, both in Mendota Heights, closed March 13 after a parent of a STA student tested positive for the virus. The schools share some programs.

“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,” Bishop Cozzens said in his statement.

In a March 15 communication to school families, Visitation Head of School Rene Gavic said that the Minnesota Department of Health notified them that person who tested positive for COVID-19 has been present at Visitation.

“The MDH is responsible for handling this situation and has stated that this is a low risk exposure for our community and they will be in direct contact with families who may be at an elevated risk,” Gavic said. “We understand that this creates a lot of unease and uncertainty in our school community. We will continue to communicate any information as we receive it.”

Gavic directed school families to Minnesota Department of Health resources.

“As we continue to navigate these rapidly changing and challenging times, let us hold fast to the hand of God and keep those families affected and each other in prayer,” she said.

As of 10 a.m. March 15, St. Thomas Academy had yet to make a public announcement.

Bishop Cozzens encouraged people to look to the schools and the Minnesota Department of Health to provide more information, and to look for ongoing updates as more is known. He advised schools to “continue making preparations.”

“Together with Archbishop Hebda, I encourage our entire Catholic school community in praying for children and families affected by this illness,” he said. “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.”