Today, 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.

“Today, Minnesota took a proactive approach to protect our residents from COVID-19 that includes $20.889 million in emergency funding,” said Senator Rich Draheim (R-Madison Lake). “With passage by both chambers, our state is now more prepared and has resources available to prevent, prepare, and respond to the potential spread of the virus. While there have been only two confirmed cases in Minnesota to date, this funding will provide flexibility for our agencies and ensure that Minnesota is prepared to respond to any potential outbreaks quickly and effectively.”

“While we continue to monitor the situation at the capitol, I encourage Minnesotans to be proactive in protecting their health. This includes following the recommendation of the CDC and other health care professionals. Remember to cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing and wash your hands with soap and water for a full twenty seconds.”

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 awaits action by the House of Representatives.

In addition to prevention efforts at the Capitol, Minnesotans are encouraged to monitor CDC developments and daily guidance to see the deliberate steps they can take to protect their health and others in others in public.