Test Iowa is inaccessible to some Iowans

Gov. Kim Reynolds' Tuesday news conference revealed some very interesting, and hopeful information, but provided some major drawbacks.

The new webpage Test Iowa asks for some basic health information and will put you in a database that will ultimately test all Iowans for COVID-19.

However, the information for the individual to enter is available only if you have internet, an email address and a cellphone (to get a QR code).

We telephoned the 211 number and spoke to an individual who told us that this is the only way to participate. Participants must have internet, email and a cellphone.

So, the basics of program sound wonderful, but some of those most in need are left out of the program. They will not mail a form to fill out. The census people will do that, and we can mail in a form for absentee ballots, but we cannot get and send mail for potentially life-saving information for the recipient and the community.

Niles Ross

Cedar Rapids