Senator Anderson Covid-19 update

Dear Friends,

It’s an understatement to say that it is difficult to have a conversation, open an email, or turn on the television, without being consumed by COVID-19 information.

The coronavirus is foremost in everyone’s mind and the health, and as lawmakers, the well-being of Minnesotan’s is our top priority.

Earlier this week, emergency funding to help fight the outbreak was passed unanimously by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Walz. Leaders are working together closesly in a bipartisan way to monitor the situation and implement policy as deemed necessary by public health experts.

Please take a few minutes to read an update on what the Legislature and State government is doing to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

Cases

As of this writing, Minnesota has 14 confirmed cases of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Approximately 555 patients have been tested. Counties with cases are: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Olmsted, Ramsey, Stearns, and Wright.

Peacetime emergency

Today, Governor Walz declared a peacetime emergency and issued Emergency Executive Order 20-01 that coordinates community mitigation strategies to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. The peacetime emergency allows the Governor greater flexibility and increased options including calling up the Minnesota National Guard.

Among others, the Administration recommends the following:

  • Telework if feasible
  • Implement social distancing (6 feet or more) measures between workers
  • Consider staggered work schedules
  • Limit in-person meetings and work-related social gatherings
  • Cancel all interstate and intrastate travel
  • Stay home if you are ill
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes
  • Wash your hands

President declares national emergency

Also today, President Trump declared a national emergency under the Stafford Act. This allows the White House to mobilize the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and direct aid to states affected by the crisis. This comes in addition to the Administration’s announcement that flights from Europe excepting the UK will be suspended beginning tonight.

Legislature passes emergency funding

On Monday the legislature unanimously passed legislation to provide emergency funding for combatting COVID-19. Governor Walz signed the bill into law on Tuesday.

Senate File 3813 appropriates $20.899 million to the Public Health Response Emergency Account. In the event the funds go unused or are reimbursed by the federal government, the money will automatically transfer back to the general fund. The emergency funds will allow the Minnesota Department of Health, in collaboration with state and federal officials, to support disease investigation, monitor potential cluster outbreaks, provide information to the public, coordinate statewide response activities, and conduct laboratory analysis. Top legislators, the administration, and public health officials remain in frequent contact.

Stay tuned to the latest updates from the Minnesota Department of health and Centers for Disease Control:

https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with others

Stay home if you’re sick

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

  • If you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Closing thoughts

The health and safety of all Minnesotans is our first priority. The emergence of the coronavirus in Minnesota has resulted in a strong bipartisan approach from the Legislature to guarantee funding for adequate testing and treatment.

State leaders are working together closely in a bipartisan way to monitor the situation and implement policy as necessary. Government policy in this area is based on the recommendation of the public health experts at the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.

Please follow the advice from the experts and continue following good viral prevention practices.

I will send any updates from the State Capitol in the days ahead as they become available.

Although there is deep concern at this time, I know as a state and nation we have survived through far more challenging times in the past and I am confident we will do so once again.

Hope springs eternal.

Sincerely,

Paul

State Senator