As of yesterday, citywide COVID-19 cases are down by 80% since early January. More than 75% of New Yorkers are fully vaccinated and free treatment options are now available for New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19.
Mayor Eric Adams announced yesterday among city health officials that oral antiviral pills are now available for free, same-day, at-home delivery for high-risk New Yorkers. This effort is in prevention of further COVID-19 transmission and quick recoveries for those infected.
The antiviral pills and monoclonal antibodies have been proven to be effective in reducing hospitalization and death for those who take the treatment soon after testing positive and experiencing mild symptoms.
We're not resting — we're bringing even more help directly to New Yorkers’ front doors. We’re offering high-risk New Yorkers, free, at-home delivery of #COVID19 antiviral pills to prevent serious illness and keep people out of the hospital.
— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) January 30, 2022
“Not only is New York City winning in the fight against COVID-19, but we are bringing even more help right to New Yorkers’ front doors to continue beating this pandemic,” said Mayor Adams. “I urge all eligible New Yorkers to take advantage of this service, and for every New Yorker to stay up to date with their vaccines and boosters. This is about saving lives and getting our city moving again.”
Since the antiviral pills and monoclonal antibodies are in limited quantity, New Yorkers at higher-risk who have tested positive will be prioritized in receiving such treatments.
“We must continue to do all we can to prevent needless suffering and death caused by COVID-19,” said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “These treatments — combined with high-quality masks, vaccination, testing, and our other public health precautions — help us to defang the virus and keep New Yorkers safe and healthy.”
And though hospitalization rates are down, health professionals hope these antiviral pills will continue to decline such numbers by keeping high-risk New Yorkers out of hospitals.
The antiviral pills are to be taken daily for five consecutive days soon after the onset of symptoms. Two pill treatments, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, have been authorized by the FDA, and are intended to stop the reproduction of the virus and keep any COVID-19 symptoms from worsening.
To take advantage of this free, same-day, delivery treatment, positive New Yorkers can call their doctor, contact a NYC Health + Hospitals doctor by visiting ExpressCare, or by calling 212-COVID19 (212-268-4319).
Learn more here.