Dear Neighbors,
Last week, I shared information about what our state was doing to prepare for a potential outbreak of COVID-19, often referred to as the coronavirus. State health officials confirmed Minnesota’s first case of coronavirus on Friday, March 6. This afternoon, Governor Walz declared a peacetime emergency.
Public health officials are working around the clock to prepare for and stop the spread of COVID-19. The House, Senate, Governor’s Office, and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) are in near-constant communication. We’re taking swift, proactive, and thoughtful action to ensure that Minnesota is prepared to respond effectively.
The House and Senate unanimously voted to deliver nearly $21 million in funding for emergency response efforts earlier this week, but more action is needed. Today, Governor Walz unveiled a package of legislation to prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic and provide relief to affected Minnesotans. Many of these bills have already been introduced in the House, and we’ll be working closely with state agencies and experts to enact the measures quickly.
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This afternoon, MDH released a series of recommendations designed to make person-to-person transmission less likely. Their recommendations include canceling large gatherings, keeping a distance between yourself and others, avoiding non-essential travel, and more. A full list is available here. You can watch today’s briefing with Governor Walz and MDH Commissioner Jan Malcolm here.
We all have a part to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping our neighbors and communities safe. It bears repeating that basic precautions can help stop the spread of coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face, and be sure to cover coughs and sneezes. Use social distancing as much as possible. And if you’re feeling sick, stay home.
You can visit www.health.state.mn or call MDH’s public hotline at 651-201-3920 for up-to-date and accurate information about COVID-19. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
I will do my best to keep our community updated as I receive more information. I encourage you to reach out to my office if you have questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Patty Acomb
State Representative