The Saskatchewan government made two antiviral treatments for COVID-19 available by prescription as COVID-19 hospitalizations hit 417 people, the highest since the start of the pandemic..NDP Opposition leader Ryan Meili was quick to claim the government’s COVID-19 policies led to the record high hospitalizations..“More and more people are being denied life-saving care because the Saskatchewan Party pushed our health system and the people working in it beyond their breaking point,” said Meili..To help reduce the stress on the hospital system, the government expanded the use of two out of hospital COVID-19 treatment options, according to the government’s press release..Paxlovid and Remdesivir are the two treatments, Paxlovid had already been available but its criteria has been loosened so more people can use it..Paxlovid helps reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 infection results. The treatment must start within the first five days of having COVID-19 symptoms..It is an oral medication and more readily accessible for treatment than Remdesivir..The eligibility criteria for Paxlovid includes testing positive on a PCR or rapid antigen test and being immunocompromised or having other medical conditions that put you at higher risk, or unvaccinated or under-vaccinated..Health Canada authorized Remdesivir as another outpatient treatment option..It is harder to administer than Paxlovid because it is given intravenously over three consecutive days in the hospital..Remdesivir works by stopping the virus from multiplying in cells that helps the body to fight against the virus, reducing the chance of hospitalization for COVID-19..To be eligible for the Remdesivir treatment, an individual must test positive on a PCR or rapid antigen test..They need to be immunocompromised or 70 years and older with risk factors or 18 years and older who are not fully vaccinated..The individual seeking treatment cannot be in the hospital or on oxygen and must start within seven days of testing positive with symptoms. .More on Paxlovid or Remdesivir eligibility is available at saskatchewan.ca/covid-19 or call HealthLine 811..Chris Oldcorn is a Western Standard Reporter based in Regina.,coldcorn@westernstandard.news,Twitter: @chrisoldcorn,.Parler: @chrisoldcorn
