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As the rate of new COVID-19 infections remains high in Iowa, the state's top health official says they are working on more rapid testing options.
As the spread of the virus remains high across the state, demand for COVID-19 testing has skyrocketed.
Interim state Department of Public Health Director Kelly Garcia says testing is widely available across the state. But the department is seeing some issues for those who need rapid testing.
It's not that there are supply chain issues. But there seem to be some kinks in the pipeline in terms of folks being able to access testing quickly when ill, which is most important.
Since mid-July, the state's Test Iowa program has offered mail-in testing kits that can be requested online or picked up at certain locations.
Iowans who need a rapid test are encouraged to check options at local pharmacies or urgent care facilities. But they should avoid seeking tests at hospital emergency rooms.
Iowa is allocating $100 million of its federal coronavirus relief funding to build new homes in the state, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today.
The American Rescue Plan Act funding, in addition to more than 230 million dollars the Iowa Legislature has allocated over five years to Iowa's tax credit programs, means developers will be able to build 36,450 new housing units to help address a growing shortage, Reynolds said today. The 100 million dollars will be split among several existing programs, plus a new pilot program to improve housing access for minority groups.
