Immunocompromised adults and people aged 70 and older are among those now eligible to be tested and assessed for COVID-19 antiviral treatments.
The Ontario government is expanding eligibility for COVID-19 antiviral treatments and PCR testing to include more high-risk individuals.
Dr. Kieran Moore provided the update today, saying the move will offer increased protection to those most vulnerable while keeping hospital capacity stable.
Effective immediately, the following groups and eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments such as Paxlovid:
- Immunocompromised people aged 18 and older
- Individuals aged 70 and older
- People aged 60 and older who have less than three COVID-19 vaccinations
- Adults 18 and older with less than three vaccines and at least one risk condition
Anyone eligible for an assessment can now also get a PCR test at any testing centre in Ontario.
As well, beginning tomorrow, the province is expanding antiviral dispensing locations to include participating pharmacies.
A list of pharmacies dispensing Paxlovid will be available here starting Wednesday.
Dr. Moore also noted while the province is in a sixth wave of COVID-19, he doesn't currently have any plans to bring back the masking mandate unless there is a new concerning variant.
He also says masking requirements may return if a rising caseload threatens the health care system or during the winter months.
Moore is urging people to continue masking up in public places.
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