SAINT PAUL, MN – 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, 56-0.

“We have prepared for the worst to guarantee Minnesotans have access to excellent care if this virus keeps spreading,” said Senator Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing), co-author of the bill. “Much needed testing and equipment will be available with this appropriation. We were able to find a bipartisan agreement – putting Minnesotans before politics. We encourage Minnesotans to continue utilizing the recommended precautions and we appreciate all the healthcare professionals working to keep us healthy!”

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.