SAINT PAUL – The Minnesota House Health and Human Services Finance Division held a remote hearing today to discuss the current status of COVID-19 testing. Members learned about different types of testing being used to combat the pandemic.
“Our state’s testing capabilities are critical to overcoming the public health emergency. It was extremely valuable for our committee to hear from experts and ask questions,” said Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL – Rochester), the division chair. “We’re grateful to have amazing resources in Minnesota, including our excellent Minnesota Department of Health, Mayo Clinic, the University of Minnesota, Hennepin Healthcare and so many other providers, companies, and individuals who are working so hard to protect the health and safety of Minnesotans and end this crisis.”
Dan Huff, Assistant Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health’s Health Protection Bureau, gave an overview about the difference between molecular and serologic testing, strategies for COVID-19 testing, and how the use of testing has been prioritized given the limited resources for available. More details about MDH’s efforts are available from their website.
Other experts provided testimony including Dr. Jakub Tolar, Dean of the University of Minnesota Medical School, Scott Beck, Senior Vice President of Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Dr. William Morice, II, Chair of Mayo Clinic Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, and Dr. Dan Hoody, the Chief Medical Officer of Hennepin Healthcare.
A recording of the hearing will be available on House Public Information Services’ YouTube channel.