In times of great struggle, the American spirit will always prevail. While our nation is battling COVID-19, I am committed to ensuring you have the most up to date information you need to keep you and your family safe.
Please visit my resource page for COVID-19 updates for Minnesota specific information, as well as tips to stop the spread of this virus.
Our office remains available should you need additional assistance. You can visit our website at Emmer.House.Gov or contact my Otsego District Office at (763) 241-6848 or Washington, D.C. Office at (202) 225-2331. If I can be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Last week, I followed the lead of so many Americans by tele-working. Together, we can stop the spread if we limit our contact with others and follow the guidelines from the CDC. I received briefings from the Minnesota Hospital Association about the status of our front line health care workers and the great work that they are doing. I am proud of my fellow Minnesotans for stepping up to serve their community and their country in their time of unprecedented need.
I also spoke with the Minnesota National Guard to discuss their role in the overall emergency operations plan in Minnesota. Last week, they delivered masks and necessary equipment to health care facilities and assisted with the efforts our state has taken to combat COVID-19.
Many of you know how much I enjoy hosting in-person town halls. Due to the social distancing recommendations, I hosted a telephone town hall yesterday instead! I was pleased to hear from so many of you and answer your questions! As Minnesotans and as Americans - we are determined to fight this virus. I am heartened to see us come together to serve each other in this time of need. If you weren’t able to join, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email or phone.
Small Business Resources
Last week, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that they would be offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital across Minnesota. The Minnesota Delegation sent a letter to Small Business Administrator Jovita Carranza calling for this assistance to be provided for Minnesota businesses in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
For businesses in need, please read my Small Business Resource Kit for more resources and assistance.
Red Cross
The Red Cross is ensuring a safe process to donate blood, and they are taking extra precautions to protect donors and staff during the coronavirus outbreak. As we combat this disease, more Americans will need blood. Please consider sharing your health with your fellow Americans. Find a Red Cross blood drive and make an appointment here.
The Red Cross is taking the following precautions to protect donors:
• Wearing gloves and changing gloves often;
• Routinely wiping down donor-touched areas;
• Using sterile collection sets for every donation;
• Preparing the arm for donation with an aseptic scrub ;
• Checking the temperature of staff and donors before entering a drive to make sure they are healthy;
• Providing hand sanitizer for use before entering the drive, as well as throughout the donation process;
• Spacing beds, where possible, to follow social distancing practices between blood donors;
• Increasing enhanced disinfecting of surfaces and equipment;
• Staggering donor appointments further apart to reduce the number of people at a drive at any one time.
Please note: There is no evidence and there are no reported cases of the coronavirus - or any respiratory virus - being transmitted by a blood transfusion.
