NW Minnesota News

With two confirmed coronavirus cases in Minnesota, the state Senate moved to pass a bill unanimously to help fight the outbreak of the deadly disease. 

The $21 million will be transferred to the Public Health Response Contingency Account, according to The Center Square.

The bill, SF 3813, was sponsored by Sen. Jerry Relph and he was quick to point to this action.

“This is a bipartisan effort to make sure that medical professionals and public health workers have the equipment they need to implement preventive measures and that Minnesotans have access to timely testing and treatment,” Relph said. “I think we can all agree that the health and safety of Minnesotans come first.”

Relph said the $20.9 million would be transferred back to the general fund if it is reimbursed by the federal government or is not used.

The funding amount is derived from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) budget by Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Relph said.

MDH Communications and social media planner, Andrea Ahneman, in an email response, said that the money would be allocated to assist with staffing needs, public health laboratory testing, staff time and personal protective equipment for first responders and staff.

The contingency fund account currently has $4.62 million to combat COVID-19 as well as other health emergencies.

“While our public health workers are busy tracking down potentially exposed people and evaluating potential cases, the rest of us must do our part,” Malcolm said. “First and foremost, that means staying home when you are sick. It also means covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently and avoiding touching your face throughout the day.”

Minnesotans were encouraged by Senate Majority Paul Gazelka to observe necessary health precautions.

“I don’t want us to lose perspective. This is serious, but we shouldn’t do what we do out of fear. It should simply be out of caution, and being careful, and being wise,” Gazelka said.