SAINT PAUL - The Minnesota House of Representatives today voted to approve funding for the state’s public health response to COVID-19, commonly referred to as the coronavirus. The first presumed positive case of the condition was identified on Friday in Ramsey County, with the second following Sunday in Carver County.
“We all recognize the urgency of acting quickly to ensure our public health professionals have the resources they need to respond if COVID-19 spreads,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), the House Health and Human Service Finance Division chair and the legislation’s chief House author. “The Department of Health is well prepared to test for the condition, and officials are working closely with hospitals, clinics and other care providers. The investments lawmakers approved today will help ensure the coordinated response process can be as seamless as possible.”
The legislation transfers nearly $21 million to the state’s public health response contingency account to address COVID-19 from the state’s general fund. The bill also includes flexibility to ensure the state is effectively able to address any future strain of the virus.
“The Minnesota House of Representatives is working closely with Governor Walz, the Minnesota Senate, and the Minnesota Department of Health to ensure Minnesota is prepared to respond to COVID-19,” said House Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Minnesota is fortunate to have a strong public health sector. Minnesotans can be assured that our public health officials are working around the clock to prepare for and to slow the spread of COVID-19.”
“Minnesotans can have confidence that their state government stands ready to address this issue,” said House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “We will continue to respond to Minnesotans’ concerns and this actively-changing situation.”
Minnesotans are reminded to take basic precautions to prevent the spread of the illness, including frequent, thorough hand washing, covering their cough with their sleeve, and staying home when sick.
The Minnesota Department of Health has comprehensive information on its website, and a hotline is available at 651-201-3920.