The Minnesota Senate on Monday moved to respond to the coronavirus situation by unanimously passing emergency funding to help contain existing cases and prevent the disease from spreading further.

We should not pander to panic, but we do have a responsibility to be prepared — prepared to keep people healthy, prepared to keep COVID-19 from spreading out of control, and prepared to contain and manage existing cases,” said Sen. Carla Nelson (R-Rochester). “The health and wellbeing of Minnesotans is our top priority. Getting this funding accomplished now will allow medical professionals to respond faster and help avoid larger outbreaks.”

The bill, Senate File 3813, appropriates $20 million to the Public Health Response Emergency Account to allow the Minnesota Department of Health investigate the disease, monitory outbreaks, provide information to the public, conduct lab analysis, and provide information to the public. In the event the funds go unused or are reimbursed by the federal government, the money will automatically transfer back to the general fund.

There are only two confirmed infections 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.