Auditor examining why SEMA distributed 48,000 defective KN95 masks to Missouri first responders

As part of her office's fiscal review of the state's response to COVID-19, State Auditor Nicole Galloway is seeking answers about defective masks distributed by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to first responders across Missouri.

The Governor's administration disclosed during the April 13 COVID-19 briefing that SEMA has recalled 48,000 of the KN95 masks because they did not meet safety standards.

In a letter sent today to Public Safety Director Sandra Karsten and copied to Gov. Parson and other officials, Auditor Galloway said there were "obvious concerns for the safety of first responders and the public as a result of the distribution of this faulty personal protective equipment."

The Auditor requested information by April 22 about the procurement, purchase and funding of the masks. She is also pursuing answers on whether there is a potential that other masks distributed by the state did not meet standards and what recourse the department is pursuing to make Missouri taxpayers whole for the masks that did not meet standards.

"As our state faces this unprecedented challenge, the safety of our first responders should be our first priority," Auditor Galloway said. "I am committed to making certain those on the frontlines of this health emergency are protected while ensuring Missourians' tax dollars are safeguarded."

Last month, Auditor Galloway announced that her office would examine the state's distribution of federal funding received under the CARES Act. 

On April 6, Galloway notified Gov. Parson about this oversight initiative, and on April 7, the State Auditor's Office began requesting information related to response efforts from state agencies. The state of Missouri expects to receive billions of dollars in federal funding for assistance with the COVID-19 response and relief.

A copy of the letter to Director Karsten is here.