Central Iowans struggle to schedule COVID-19 tests at metro's lone TestIowa site
A reduction in TestIowa sites is leaving some central Iowans struggling to schedule coronavirus test appointments in the metro.
The Iowa Department of Public Health reported Monday that over 4,200 Iowans tested positive for the virus in 24 hours.
On Friday, the state closed a TestIowa site at River Place in Des Moines. A newer site, located at 4475 NE 3rd Street in Des Moines, is the only TestIowa location open in the Des Moines metro.
According to the Office of the Governor, the new Polk County site is better for winter weather because it is indoors
The Office of the Governor also said the site is large enough to handle demand.
Norwalk resident Stephanie McDannel disagrees with the state’s sentiments. McDannel said she struggled to schedule a timely coronavirus test appointment after her husband tested positive for the virus.
“I haven't been able to get in for three days,” McDannel said. “My husband wasn't able to get in for three days. This is absolutely unacceptable in the middle of a pandemic.”
Part of the problem is that the new TestIowa site closes early on Tuesday in advance of Veteran's Day and will remain closed all day Wednesday for Veteran's Day.
McDannel said she believes Gov. Kim Reynolds should add test sites, rather than consolidate them.
“We need resources,” she said. “We need accessibility. The fact that they are not even testing over the weekend seems outrageous to me when we are in the heights of a pandemic and we can’t keep up.”
A spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Public Health said the department it aware of the greater need for testing due to increased community spread.
Reynolds will hold COVID-19 news conferences on Tuesday and Thursday, where she may address the need for more test sites.
