MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced a new COVID-19 telehealth test-to-treat program Monday that ensures anyone who tests positive for the virus will have access to clinician care and therapeutic treatments to reduce the risk of serious illness or hospitalization.
All of the services provided through the pilot program including the consultation, medication and delivery, will come at no cost.
According to a press release from MDH, the state's pilot program works with both at-home and lab COVID-19 tests regardless of brand.
The department says Minnesotans who test positive for COVID-19 can download the Cue Health app to schedule a virtual consultation with a licensed clinician who will determine if therapeutic treatment is a good option.
If the clinician determines that if the infected person is a good candidate for therapeutics, the clinician can issue that prescription to the patient’s local pharmacy.
“This pilot program is another tool in Minnesota’s toolbox for limiting the negative impacts of COVID-19,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Minnesotans who test positive will be able to more easily access therapeutics that can help them get on the road to recovery. We know that accessing therapeutics within five days of developing symptoms of COVID-19 can greatly improve outcomes and help Minnesotans to avoid severe illness or hospitalization.”
Heading into the holiday season, health officials are also urging people to protect themselves against COVID-19, influenza and RSV, to avoid a potential "tripledemic."
Here's how Minnesotans can get a COVID-19 test:
- Walk in or schedule an appointment for a test at one of the state’s free COVID-19 Community Testing Sites. Test-to-treat options are available at some locations.
- Order rapid tests through the state’s free COVID-19 at-home rapid testing program.
- Find a testing option near you through the state’s Find Testing Locations map.
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