(ST. PAUL, MN) Senator Michelle Benson (R – Ham Lake) held an informational hearing on the effects and management of influenza and, pertinently, the Coronavirus (COVID19) outbreak. The Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) spoke before the committee, noting that the much-feared sickness has not reached a pandemic status. The CDC is rapidly developing anti-viral medications to deal with large-scale infections and Minnesota retains a public health response fund. The state has received flexibility with Federal money to aide hospitals in need of support. Additionally, MDH will soon have a test for COVID19, and MN will be participating in the vaccine program.

Many families are aware that influenza came early this year; it is unusual that Influenza B would affect populations so prematurely. The infections this winter season have been high, though not out of the norm.  According to MDH, there have been 52 deaths and 2,050 hospitalizations this year. The Commissioner noted that the most troubling number is the 757 outbreaks of influenza-like illness in K-12 schools.  Testifiers from the MN Hospital Association and MDH reminded committee members that Minnesota’s infectious disease laws have proven effective. Hospitals in the state are very active when reporting a wide variety of infectious illnesses.

“This hearing has reassured us that Minnesota is well-prepared to deal with diverse types of outbreaks,” Sen. Benson stated.  “It’s important to remain aware and informed, while not giving in to the sensationalism that often occurs in the media with the rise of widespread illness.”

Testifiers reassured the committee that while the number of coronavirus deaths in China grew rapidly, the disease seems to be less infectious than the previously seen SARS outbreak. Hospitals recommend people avoid facemasks unless their illness is confirmed, as stockpiling could lead to shortages for hospitals. Tests of all the fifteen possible cases of the virus in the state have returned negative.