BC receives initial supply of anti-viral COVID-19 treatment

NORTHERN BC- Health officials have provided an update on the use of Paxlovid, an anti-viral COVID-19 medication recently approved for use by Health Canada. It is to be used within 5 days of developing symptoms, and Provincial Health Officer, Dr.Bonnie Henry says testing needs to be available in order for the drug to be properly dispursed.

“So we’ve been aligning both the limited supply we have, about 4,000 treatment courses of these medications with our testing strategy as well,” explained Henry.

BC’s initial supply of Paxlovid is intended to be used by anyone that is at a high risk of hospitalization or severe illness. This includes people who have immune compromising conditions due to medication, transplant history or certain cancer treatments. More information on residents eligible for Paxlovid will be released by the province later today (Tuesday).

While hospitalization rates are currently at the highest they’ve ever been throughout the pandemic, the average time spent in hospital for the Omicron variant is about half of what it is for Delta. There is also a much smaller portion of people requiring critical care, according to the province.