November 16, 2020
Dear Parishioners:
I am writing today because there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 at St. Mary’s. Medical privacy laws limit the information we are able to share, but I can tell you that the individual did attend Mass in New Trier on Sunday, November 8th, began to experience symptoms on November 11th, was tested on November 14th, and received news of a positive test in the early afternoon of November 15th. Family members of the individual did attend Mass on Sunday, November 15th and have not tested positive at this time.
After being notified of the confirmed case of COVID-19, I immediately contacted the Minnesota Department of Health to seek their guidance, and reported the case to the Archdiocese. The individual and family are now under quarantine. Since this is a case of possible exposure with family attending Mass on November 15th, MDH advises that everyone go about their daily lives, but monitor yourself for symptoms as anyone else would, and follow guidelines of frequent handwashing, social distancing, and wearing masks, along with other recommended precautionary measures. If symptoms do develop, seek testing and appropriate medical treatment.
Please be assured that measures are in place to properly clean and sanitize the church after each Mass. At the same time, if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms, or awaiting the results of a COVID test, please do not come to church but instead participate by either our Facebook/You Tube broadcast, or radio broadcast on KDWA.
With the increase in reported cases of COVID, let us all pray for those who are affected in any way by this pandemic and for their quick recovery. In these days may we pray to Mary under the patronage of Our Lady of Lourdes for the gifts of health and healing.
Sincerely in Christ,
Father Mike Tix
Parochial Administrator