As the state prepares for a potential COVID-19 virus outbreak, Senator Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud) announced today he will be introducing legislation aimed at providing additional funding and streamlining preparation in the event the virus reaches Minnesota.

“Health officials from across the state and world have been warning us for some time: it’s only a matter of time before the novel coronavirus hits the United States and, eventually, Minnesota,” said Senator Relph. “While we certainly hope the worst does not happen, we must begin preparing for the worst right now. We need to make sure our state health officials have the resources they need to combat the novel coronavirus and make sure as many people as possible are protected against the virus. It’s always better to be safe than sorry – and that’s why I believe there is an urgency to get this done right.”  

The legislation, which is expected to be introduced later this week, will call for an immediate $5 million appropriation into the Public Health Response Emergency Account. If the funding is not needed, it will automatically transfer to the state’s general fund. The funding request comes a week after the Senate’s Health and Human Services Finance and Policy Committee met with state agency officials to hear plans for the potential outbreak. Lawmakers and state epidemiological officials have also been in regular contact.

Public health officials have already begun taking measures to ensure Minnesota is ready for a coronavirus outbreak. Delta Air Lines, the dominant carrier at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport, has temporarily suspended flights to Seoul, South Korea, and other travel restrictions are in place.

“We would be wise to heed the warnings of public health officials across the globe. We’re talking about a serious virus outbreak that’s on the verge of a worldwide pandemic. This is a public health emergency – and I am hopeful this bipartisan legislation will move quickly,” said Senator Relph.

Senator Jerry Relph represents St. Cloud, Waite Park, and St. Augusta in the Minnesota Senate. He serves as vice chair of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee.