Today, Senator Jerry Relph (R-St. Cloud) issued the following statement regarding changes to Senate operations due to the coronavirus:

“As we confront an unprecedented public health emergency, my constituents should know their government is functioning and essential services remain uninterrupted. Early Tuesday morning, we approved $200 million in emergency funding to make sure hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and pharmacies have the resources they need to respond to the coronavirus outbreak. Those funds are in addition to the $21 million we allocated earlier this month. The Minnesota Senate is now recess until April 14, though we may meet sooner – with ample public notice – to address the ongoing needs of our state.

“On behalf of the people in District 14 and my commitment to serve them, my office will remain open for meetings, either by appointment in St. Cloud or when I am in St Paul, in a manner that ensures the safety and wellbeing of my constituents and staff. I will continue to reply to inquiries and carry out my legislative duties, including working on legislation that improves the quality of life for all Minnesotans. During this time, we can all make a difference in reducing the impact of COVID-19 on our lives by following the guidelines of the public health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health.

“I am confident that, working together, we will emerge from this stronger than ever. I urge all  constituents with comments, questions, or concerns to contact my office by e-mail or by phone.”

For more information and guidance surrounding COVID-19, please see:

• Updates from the Minnesota Department of Health
• Updates from the Centers for Disease Control
• Frequently asked questions from the Minnesota Department of Health
• Guidance from the Mayo Clinic

Senator Jerry Relph represents St. Cloud, Waite Park, and St. Augusta in the Minnesota Senate.