By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Algona, IA – Rapid testing is now available in some rural communities that will provide COVID-19 results in minutes rather than days.
On Thursday, April 16, it was announced that 13 rural communities across Iowa would be receiving rapid testing devices for the COVID-19 virus. Among those 13 communities is Algona in north central Iowa according to a press release from the Kossuth Regional Health Center.
Public Relations Manager for KRHC Joanne Bode says that the new Abbott Machine is better fit for rural communities. The Abbott Machine offers the ability to provide test results in minutes, instead of days. This equipment has limited testing capability, which makes it a better fit for rural areas rather than larger communities, when it comes to capacity needs.
Bode says while there are a few limitations of the Abbott Machine there is a huge advantage to it. “There is a target audience in mind with this rapid testing equipment” she says. The audience is the more vulnerable population that live in assistant living facilities and nursing homes.
Bode alongside KRHC Administrator Dar Elbert says they are pleased to be able to offer the rapid testing in their community. Elbert says that “faster results are always a good thing, and we want to make this available as soon as possible.” Bode says that they are hoping to be able to offer testing this week but it depends on training the staff as well other supplies needed for the testing equipment.
The Abbott Machine was provided to KRHC and other communities after the Iowa Department of Public Health considered multiple factors. These factors include population of elderly, number of long-term care facilities in the area, and whether the location would serve as a hub to several rural communities for testing.