North Hennepin News

Institutions and organizations in Minnesota are taking precautions to maneuver and halt the spread of the novel coronavirus and as a result, life has been paused as many businesses shut their doors.

Employees have been encouraged to work from home, higher learning institutions have taken their classes online, and sporting and entertainment events are canceled. According to StarTribune, there had been nine confirmed COVID-19 cases in Minnesota. Sterns, Dakota, and Hennepin counties are the latest locations where the deadly virus has been confirmed.

St. Thomas Academy was among the schools that were shut down, and told the parents that it was taking precautions after one of the parents tested positive.

“While this individual has not been on campus, we are working with the family to gather more information. We are also working with local health agencies to determine the appropriate course of action," according to the school.

With new restrictions put in place, a gathering of more than 250 people is not allowed. Twin Cities Catholics lifted its obligations of attending the mass. The organizers have gone a step further and suspended the St. Patrick’s Day parade that was scheduled to take place in St. Paul and Minnesota.

“We just don’t want to expose anyone to anything. We might look at doing something in the fall if this pandemic passes over. You can have a parade anytime and call it St. Patrick’s Day. Everybody is Irish when you tell them to be," organizer Judy Clerkin said.

Two weeks of events at Minneapolis Institute of Art have also been canceled, but the center will remain open.

The Twin Cities Auto Show nine-day run will continue as planned, according to the president of the Greater Metro Automobile Dealers Association, Scott Lambert.

To prevent the spread of the virus and panic, Minneapolis Public Schools have canceled public events such as plays, field trips, concerts, and science fairs.