Gov. Walz criticizes federal government for slow delivery of COVID-19 test kit supplies

Gov. Tim Walz expressed disappointment, along with Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner, Jan Malcolm, over delays in receiving chemical solutions needed for COVID-19 test kits.

"We are doing our very best to get testing done as quickly as possible," said Walz. "But, clearly, there has been a slow delivery system and that has slowed some things down."

Malcolm agreed with the governor’s assessment.

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"Supplies for our highest capacity testing platform are back-ordered until May 1," said Malcolm. "So, that’s just an example of the supply chain issues that the governor mentioned."

Malcolm said MDH and private laboratories have been testing patients who need the results the quickest and are considered necessary for their treatment plans, but the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has not kept up with the demand for supplies.

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"So, none of the requested laboratory supplies, that we have talked to HHS about, have materialized in Minnesota, at this point," said Malcolm.