Most Ontario residents will have to pay for COVID testing this fall and some worry that even those who qualify will face new barriers.
Long-term care homes and other high-priority locations and individuals will continue to have access to the rapid tests, as will public health units — while supplies last.
That is especially crucial because there is a narrow window during which Paxlovid, the common anti-viral treatment for COVID-19, is most effective, said Jen Belcher, a pharmacist who is vice-president of strategic initiatives and member relations with the Ontario Pharmacists Association.Article content
She also said the cost of purchasing test kits for those who don’t qualify for free testing or treatment could be prohibitive “or very challenging for our most socio-economically vulnerable patients, leaving them with fewer choices for testing and therefore potential access barriers.”Article content Etches told Ottawa’s board of health meeting last week that she expects this fall’s season of viral illnesses, including COVID, to be similar to last year’s, which saw high levels of sickness.Article content
She said she doesn’t necessarily want to see boxes of free rapid tests continue to be available at pharmacies and grocery stores, as they have been, but she would like to see public health units have control over them.Article content
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