Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kieran Moore says the 6th wave COVID-19 transmission trends in Ontario will likely continue for the next 6-8 weeks.
Ontario is now seeing an estimated 100,000-plus new infections per day.
“We’ve known that as we’ve removed public health measures that we would have a rise in incidents across Ontario,” said Moore today at his first press conference in almost a month. “And hence the reason we have our three-point plan: Continue to wear a mask, continue to get vaccinated & ensure that you keep up to date with your boosters. And know if you would be eligible after discussing it with your healthcare provider, for antivirals. Those three major platforms will help Ontario through this next wave.”
Effective immediately, the following higher-risk groups are eligible to be tested and assessed for antiviral treatments, such as Paxlovid, in Ontario:
- Individuals aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised (have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medications);
- Individuals aged 70 and over;
- Individuals aged 60 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses; and
- Individuals aged 18 and over with fewer than three vaccine doses and at least one risk condition (e.g., a chronic medical condition)
Anyone who is eligible for an assessment is now also eligible for a PCR test at any testing centre in Ontario.
Beginning April 12, Ontario is making it easier for eligible individuals with a prescription to access antivirals by expanding dispensing locations to include participating pharmacies across the province. A list of pharmacies that are dispensing Paxlovid will be available at Ontario.ca/antivirals as of Wednesday, April 13 at 8:00 a.m. The list will be regularly updated as the list of participating pharmacies expands.
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. Individuals can contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 for more information about where to find a clinical assessment centre or to determine if they are at higher risk.
Individuals can access Ontario’s antiviral screener tool to help determine if they are at higher risk and should be assessed for treatment. A positive rapid antigen test, PCR or rapid molecular test is required as part of the assessment for antiviral treatment. Rapid antigen tests remain available for pick up at no charge from over 3,000 retail locations in the province. Clinical assessment centres continue to be available to assess and test patients as well as to prescribe and dispense antivirals.
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.
“Thanks to the millions of Ontarians who were vaccinated, we have been able to cautiously and safely reopen our province,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “By expanding access to antivirals and PCR testing, in addition to recently expanding eligibility for fourth doses, we are using every tool available to us to ensure Ontarians have the best protection available while we adapt to managing and living with COVID-19.”
Ontario is able to expand access to antiviral treatments as a regular supply of Paxlovid is expected throughout the rest of the year. With this stable supply, Ontario is making it easier for people to be assessed in person or virtually by a prescriber, and prescriptions can be filled conveniently at participating community pharmacies.
Today Moore also reminded people to stay at home if they are COVID-19 positive even if their symptoms are mild and always wear a mask in high-risk indoor settings.