Axne Calls for More COVID-19 Testing in Assisted Living Communities

U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne (D-Iowa) has sent a written a letter to state Gov. Kim Reynolds, requesting additional COVID-19 testing and data disclosure to protect older citizens living in skilled nursing and long-term care communities, as well as assisted congregate living community residents, according to KMA Radio . She expressed concern that older Iowans are not receiving the support they need from a testing perspective to remain healthy. "Mortality rates in these homes, according to Iowa Public Health, are 17 times higher than we've seen statewide," said Axne. She has proposed the establishment of a dedicated mobile Test Iowa team to test seniors and others in such communities. "It would be a mobile unit going out specifically to test seniors and others in these communities," Axne explained.