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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Tribal, Rural Communities Face Barriers for Free COVID Tests

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Monday, February 7, 2022   

Households across America are receiving free COVID tests sent by mail after the federal government rolled out the option last month. But in states such as South Dakota, those living in tribal communities and remote areas have to go through extra hoops to get them.

Through a designated website, households can order up to four free tests, sent to them by the U.S. Postal Service.

Christopher Shaw, a U.S. Postal historian, has written about the agency. He said it is not uncommon for those living on reservations and in extremely rural areas to not have a street address, and then there is the issue of technology.

"And if you're in a rural place where you don't really have access to the internet, then how are you gonna use the website to order it in the first place?" Shaw asked.

He added website glitches might exacerbate the situation. Still, the Daily Yonder reports some living in tribal communities said working through barriers is better than no options, including driving round trip to pick up tests at a Post Office box, as opposed to traveling hundreds of miles to get them because there is no state-sponsored site in their area.

Other concerns include confusion in placing an order if multiple families are living in one household, as well as lingering delivery delays in the postal service system.

Shaw still sees value in the federal government making attempts to get a test to everyone in the U.S.

"Through their wonderful resource to be able to deliver these kits, is that it speaks to the value of the postal service," Shaw contended.

A total of 500 million COVID tests are being made available through the government's website. Officials say orders usually ship within seven to 12 days.

Separately, South Dakota recently announced more than 500,000 COVID-19 Antigen home tests were distributed to various locations. The free tests can be picked up at pharmacies, schools, public libraries, county courthouses, airports and food banks. Residents are urged to call ahead to confirm availability.


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