On Monday, the Minnesota Senate approved a bill to provide emergency funding for combatting COVID-19 in Minnesota. The bill, authored by Senator Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud), passed with bipartisan support.

“We passed funding that will guarantee Minnesotans have access to essential testing and treatment for COVID-19,” said Senator Carrie Ruud (R-Breezy Point). “This virus is starting to surface in our state, and although the risk is low, we are prepared. Following preventative flu-season precautions will minimize the spread in our communities, but if it becomes widespread, we will have the resources we need to fight it!”

Senate File 3813 appropriates $20.899 million to the Public Health Response Emergency Account. In the event the funds go unused or are reimbursed by the federal government, the money will automatically transfer back to the general fund. The emergency funds will allow the Minnesota Department of Health, in collaboration with state and federal officials, to support disease investigation, monitor potential cluster outbreaks, provide information to the public, coordinate statewide response activities, and conduct laboratory analysis. Top legislators, the administration, and public health officials remain in frequent contact.

Public health officials have announced two confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Minnesota. While no large-scale travel bans are in place, officials have announced temporary flight restrictions at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport. State and local officials are also working with state epidemiological officials on contingency plans that could be implemented if the needed arises.

The legislation now moves to the Governor’s desk for his signature.