West Twin Cities

The Minnesota Senate passed Sen. Jerry Relph’s authored bill regarding emergency funding in a fight against the coronavirus, according to the Minnesota State Senate Republicans.

Sen. David Osmek was among the legislators who commented on this bill.

“Ensuring the health and safety of the Minnesotans is one of the legislature’s top responsibilities," Osmek said. "While the risk to most Minnesotans remains low, it is important that we ensure our health professionals and local communities are fully equipped to combat the coronavirus outbreak. Today, I joined my colleagues in the Senate to support a bipartisan emergency funding bill to help our Minnesota respond to this disease.”

About $20.899 million has been allocated to the Public Health Response Emergency Account. The money will be transferred back to the general fund in case the funds go unused.

“Minnesotans should continue to protect themselves at home to take the appropriate precautions when out in public. Treat this virus similar to the common flu, where you exercise caution, cover your mouths when sneezing and coughing, and wash your hands with soap and water for a full twenty seconds," Osmek said.