The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed that a University of Minnesota student has tested positive for COVID-19, according to an email sent by University President Joan Gabel.

The student is recovering off campus and is being monitored by health professionals, the email said. The MDH is also notifying those who may have had close contact with the student.

The news comes on the heels of a declaration of peacetime emergency by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, which allows the state to respond more quickly as the COVID-19 situation unfolds. The governor and MDH recommend the cancellation or postponing of any events exceeding 250 people, or smaller events that do not allow six feet of social distancing. They also advise that high-risk groups — such as the elderly or those with serious chronic medical conditions — avoid groups of 10 or more people.

Following this declaration, all major systemwide University venues will be closed. In-person classes are still canceled until at least April 1.

“We recommend students make their own decisions about returning to campuses and recognize for some students, the safest, most secure place is at the University,” Gabel said in the email. “I want to assure you that our campuses are open, including residence halls, dining services, and other student support services.”