Dear Neighbors,
The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve by the hour. We all have a role to play in preventing its spread to keep our neighbors and community safe. As we are likely to face increasing challenges, the legislature’s responsibility is to ensure Minnesota is prepared to respond. We are taking proactive, swift, and thoughtful action to address this issue.
Public health officials in Minnesota are working around the clock to prepare for and stop the spread of COVID-19. At the Capitol, the House, Senate, Department of Health (MDH), and Governor’s Office are in near-constant communication to ensure we can quickly work to prevent further outbreak. I’ve also been in close communication with Mayor Larson, Superintendent Gronseth, and officials at St. Louis County to discuss potential impacts on our community. As of this writing, there are 14 confirmed cases in the state.
Earlier this week, legislators quickly passed – unanimously – legislation that authorizes nearly $21 million for our public health response to COVID-19. Governor Tim Walz then signed this bill into law which will ensure the Minnesota Department of Health has the resources they need. Today, Governor Walz declared a State of Emergency and the MDH outlined community response mitigation strategies including a limit on large gatherings. But there is more we need to do.
This week, my colleagues announced a package of legislation to further address COVID-19. The bills would:
-
- Require health plans to cover all costs of testing, treatment, and quarantine related to COVID-19.
- Ban price gouging of necessary goods and services during an emergency.
- Compensate hourly school workers for days canceled or missed due to COVID-19.
- Clarify the Governor’s authority to declare public health emergencies as possible peacetime emergencies.
- Establish a loan account for health care providers.
- Expand unemployment insurance and sick leave benefits during times of emergency.
There are several precautions Minnesotans should continue to take. Thoroughly and frequently wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re sick. It’s a good idea to check in on neighbors or family members who may be vulnerable, too. MDH's website is a great resource, and a public hotline (651-201-3920) staffed by public health professionals is available if you have questions.
Minnesota’s public health officials are working around the clock to address this situation, and at the Legislature, we’re working on solutions to protect Minnesotans the best we can. Discussions about any next steps will continue over the weekend and I’ll keep you posted with what I learn. Minnesotans care about one another, and we’re also resilient. Our state is lucky to have a world-class disease surveillance system in place already and with MDH coordinating closely with our health care providers, I’m confident we can overcome this challenge, together.
It’s an honor to represent you at the Capitol.
Sincerely,
Liz Olson
State Representative