WINONA, Minn. – Saint Mary’s University moved all classes online at its Winona campus through Thanksgiving with the discovery of 14 COIVID-pos cases since Monday. In-class instruction ended immediately Wednesday. Also, a 9 p.m. curfew was imposed. On-campus students were asked to stay in their rooms as much as possible. In addition, the university closed the campus to visitors. Earlier, in June, Saint Mary’s had decided to end in-person classes at Thanksgiving with students completing courses online from home. The goal: To limit exposure of students returning home for the holiday. Also: To head off an outbreak during finals week in December. The new decision advances the switch two weeks.
Why suspend?
Tim Gossen, vice president of student affairs, said there were doubts about local and campus healthcare capacities. Also, the university was unsure it had adequate quarantine and isolation facilities.
Code Orange
The state Health Department recommended that colleges move to an orange level and implement mitigation strategies, including campus closures and moving to online instruction.
Infection severity
Level 1 (green): Low level of transmission
Level 2 yellow): Medium
Level 3 (orange): High
Level 4 (red): Sustained