USDA invests US$42 million in telehealth infrastructure

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment of US$42.3 million to help rural residents gain access to health care and educational opportunities. The announcement noted that rural areas are experiencing higher infection and death rates related to COVID-19 due to varying factors, such as a higher percentage of underlying conditions and difficulty in accessing medical care. The Secretary of the USDA Tom Vilsack commented that the agency is helping rural residents build back better by using digital technology as a cornerstone to create more equitable communities, adding that healthcare and education is increasingly moving to online platforms.