East Farmingdale, NY- With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, New York State officials announced Thursday a new hotline, to help connect people who test positive for the coronavirus with available treatments.
According to a press release from Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, “All New Yorkers outside of New York City, regardless of income or health insurance coverage who test COVID-19 positive, are eligible to be evaluated for treatment by calling 888-TREAT-NY (888-873-2869) or completing an evaluation at the NYS COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access website, which includes a telemedicine visit. New York City residents should call 212-COVID-19.
The Hotline is available 24-hours per day, seven days a week and operated by experienced Health + Hospitals professionals who have the clinical training to prescribe treatment and referrals if needed. The ExpressCare platform is a service that allows New Yorkers to receive virtual care from a NYC Health + Hospitals provider.
The telemedicine visit will include a clinical assessment by medical providers who will identify the appropriate COVID-19 treatment plan, which may include a prescription for Paxlovid or Molnupiravir. These oral antiviral medications have both been proven to decrease hospitalization for those that are at risk for severe disease. When given soon after positive COVID-19 diagnosis these antivirals also help fight infection and shorten recovery time.
As all treatments require a prescription, those who test COVID-19 positive should talk to their provider or call 888-TREAT-NY to determine what treatment is best for them. New York State is assigned a weekly allotment of both Paxlovid and Molnupiravir from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Learn more about COVID-19 treatment options at health.ny.gov/CovidTreatment“
As of July 11th, the seven day positivity rate on Long Island was at 10.82%. Health officials say persons over the age of two years old, should wear high quality masks while indoors.
By Brett Levine
Photo: from the Office of New York Stat Governor Kathy Hochul at a press conference on July 11, 2022.