Rep. Alice Mann
News Release
Minnesota House of Representatives
District 56B 651-296-5387 – rep.alice.mann@house.mn
429 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Thomas Olsen
651-297-8163 or thomas.olsen@house.mn
March 10, 2020
Rep. Alice Mann Votes for Coronavirus Response Bill
St. Paul, Minn. – Yesterday the Minnesota House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill to better 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.
“It has been clear for some time that COVID-19 needs to be taken seriously,” said Rep. Alice Mann (DFL-Lakeville), a practicing physician. “This bill is a great first step, it will provide the MDH with resources it needs to get out in front of the virus so we can suppress its growth in Minnesota. Minnesota is well prepared for this epidemic from a medical standpoint. However, there are some gaps in our healthcare system which must be addressed to reduce the amount of impacts this process could have on Minnesotans who are financially vulnerable.”
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.
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