Access to the gold-standard PCR tests and COVID-19 antiviral treatments is expanding.
Ontario chief medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore made the announcement today. It was the first time he's talked publicly since early March.
Earlier this year, the province limited access to the PCR tests when the lab capacity was being overwhelmed during the fifth wave of the pandemic driven by the Omicron variant.
Effective today, more higher-risk groups are eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid. It affects:
- Immunocompromised people 18 years and over
- People who are 70 years and older
- People 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses
- People 18 years and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition such as a chronic medical condition
Anyone who's eligible for an antiviral assessment is also eligible for a PCR test.
The number of pharmacies dispensing Paxlovid is increasing. The full list will be available here on Wednesday, April 13 at 8 a.m.
"Treatment for antivirals must be started within five days of symptoms in most cases. Individuals who are part of higher-risk groups and who have COVID-19 symptoms should immediately seek testing and care, by contacting their health care provider or visiting a clinical assessment centre," reads the news release.
For antiviral treatment, a positive rapid antigen test, PCR or rapid molecular test is needed.
"The province is also working with health system partners and health care providers to also prioritize groups that may be at increased risk due to other health-related factors and barriers to health care including First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals, Black individuals and members of other racialized communities. Health care providers may also determine if antiviral treatment is appropriate for patients based on individual circumstances even if they do not belong to one of the groups listed," says the province.