Here's what you need to know about the new COVID-19 drug available in Sask.
The first antiviral COVID-19 drug treatment approved in Canada is now available in Saskatchewan.
Eligible residents 18 and over in the province now have access to Paxlovid, an oral prescription medication used to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 symptoms, the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) said in a news conference Wednesday morning.
Paxlovid is only being given to eligible patients through HealthLine 811 referrals. The province is asking those who feel they are eligible to not visit family physicians or a pharmacy to request the medication.
The province also said requests for Paxlovid is not expected to add to wait times in regards to HealthLine 811.
According to the province, wait times for the number are down and currently sitting around one hour for those with COVID-19 concerns.
“I’m very pleased to say that we have made progress in reducing those wait times,” Marlo Pritchard, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency president, said.
“At it’s peak, HealthLine 811 had a 24 hour wait time and a list of over 2,000 people waiting for a call back, as of January 25, the average wait time is down to around one hour for COVID related calls.”
To address the increased need HealthLine 811 added 60 administrative staff to address general information calls and is in the process of adding more registered nurses from supplemental workflows.
Pritchard also wants residents to know that many questions being screened on HealthLine 811 can also be answered online.
Saskatchewan’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab reiterated Wednesday that Paxlovid is not meant to be a replacement for vaccination.
The treatment is meant for those who have already tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms.
The province said the pill is not meant for those with symptoms that would signal an emergency, such as shortness of breath. It is also not meant to be taken as a preventative measure.
The pill is taken twice per day for five days and stops the virus from multiplying in a person’s body.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.