Rep. Brad Tabke votes for coronavirus response bill
St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota House of Representatives today unanimously approved a bill to ensure that public health officials are prepared to respond to COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus. The bill appropriates $21 million to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and is expected to be signed into law by Governor Tim Walz today or tomorrow.
“Minnesota’s public health officials are doing an excellent job preparing and responding to this outbreak,” said Rep. Brad Tabke (DFL-Shakopee), who voted in support of the bill. “I’m proud to see the legislature work so quickly and collaboratively to ensure the effort to prevent and slow the spread of this illness is fully supported.”
If signed into law, $21 million will be transferred 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.
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.
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.
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