St. Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota House of Representatives yesterday unanimously approved a bill to ensure that public health officials are prepared to respond to COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus. The bill (House File 3980) appropriates approximately $21 million dollars to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz today.
“The Minnesota House and Senate collaborated on a bipartisan basis today to pass emergency funding to the Department of Health to prepare for and respond to the COVID 19 epidemic,” said Rep. Zack Stephenson (DFL-Coon Rapids), who voted to support the legislation. “I will continue to monitor the situation closely and support additional legislation if necessary.”
Minnesota confirmed the first case of coronavirus on Friday, March 6. A second case was confirmed on Sunday, March 8. MDH has set up a public hotline that will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The hotline number is 651-201-3920. You can also visit www.health.state.mn.us for up-to-date and accurate information about what Minnesota is doing to prepare for and stop the spread of COVID-19.
###