One of the problems involves “hypothetical faults” in the computer’s microprocessor, which could lead the plane to climb or dive on its own, Boeing said.

FAA Certification Flight For 737 MAX Delayed Until May. AFP (4/7) reports that the FAA’s certification flight for the 737 MAX has been delayed until May due to the coronavirus outbreak. Social distancing protocols have required teams from Boeing and the FAA to work remotely, which has “posed challenges for the test flight itself because of the need for closer physical contact.” An FAA spokesman said that “work is still ongoing” in the effort to re-certify the 737 MAX.

However, I don't think the MAX will be back anytime soon, this pandemic is the final nail in the coffin of it IMO.

COVID-19 Pandemic Confounds Boeing’s Plan For Midyear Return Of 737 MAX

The Wall Street Journal (4/24, Subscription Publication) reported that people with knowledge of the matter said that The Boeing Company’s 737 MAX jet will not receive approval to fly from the Federal Aviation Administration until the second half of the year – probably August or even the fall, but later than Boeing’s goal of certification by the middle of 2020. The FAA has still not approved two software fixes proposed by Boeing related to the 737 MAX’s flight-control systems. Meanwhile, the pandemic has slowed the approval process, while restrictions on non-essential travel have curtailed MAX flight tests involving foreign pilots. Additionally, FAA employees working from home are working out how they will ensure that airlines will adhere to various maintenance requirements and systems tests in order to clear individual aircraft for flight. The ongoing 737 MAX question is expected to be discussed when Boeing reports its first-quarter earnings next week.

CNBC (4/24) reported that “sources familiar with the latest expectations for fixing the MAX, tell CNBC the plane is unlikely to be given the green light until late summer,” marking “a slight, but notable, shift from Boeing’s earlier plan to have the beleaguered plane cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration in the middle of this year.” Investor’s Business Daily (4/24) reported that Boeing could also “cut 787 Dreamliner production again when it reports first-quarter earnings Wednesday.”