![St. Cloud Senator to Introduce Bill to Fight Coronavirus](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/02/Jerry-Relph.jpg?w=980&q=75)
St. Cloud Senator to Introduce Bill to Fight Coronavirus
SAINT PAUL – As the state prepares for a potential COVID-19 virus outbreak, Senator Jerry Relph of St. Cloud announced Wednesday he will be introducing legislation aimed at providing additional funding and streamlining preparation in the event the virus reaches Minnesota.
The legislation, which is expected to be introduced later this week, will call for an immediate $5 million appropriation into the Public Health Response Emergency Account. If the funding is not needed, it will automatically transfer to the state’s general fund.
Public health officials have already begun taking measures to ensure Minnesota is ready for a coronavirus outbreak. Delta Air Lines, the dominant carrier at Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport has temporarily suspended flights to Seoul, South Korea, and other travel restrictions are in place.
![AM 1240 WJON logo](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/11/attachment-wjonam-alexacard-big.jpg?w=100)
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Are Divorce Inquiries In Minnesota Spiking Due To COVID?](http://townsquare.media/site/66/files/2020/03/attachment-GettyImages-72498929-3.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![1st Graders in Grand Marais Make “Virus Traps” for Cleaner Air](http://townsquare.media/site/68/files/2022/01/attachment-CR-Box-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![COVID-19 Social Distancing Sign Spotted in Northfield is a Winner](http://townsquare.media/site/68/files/2022/01/attachment-Northfield-Sign-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Updated: 4 Minnesota Breweries That Require Proof of Vaccination](http://townsquare.media/site/68/files/2022/01/attachment-RS28955_ThinkstockPhotos-578088652-scr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Disney Parks To Require Face Masks Again as COVID Cases Surge](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2021/07/attachment-disneyland-disney-world-covid-face-masks-required-e1627566977601.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Charles Lindbergh House in Little Falls to Reopen July 2](http://townsquare.media/site/68/files/2011/08/CharlesLindbergh.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Has Regained 250K of Jobs Lost to COVID Shut Down](http://townsquare.media/site/669/files/2018/11/GettyImages-1046103890.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota’s Two Largest Cities Won’t Drop Face Mask Mandate](http://townsquare.media/site/717/files/2020/04/GettyImages-1209048101.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota Suicide Deaths Declined During the Pandemic](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2017/11/Emergency.jpg?w=980&q=75)