SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County now has several Covid-19 Test to Treat sites available to the community, including the three OptumServe testing sites, which are available to anyone regardless of insurance or documentation status. Test to Treat sites allow individuals to get tested, be seen by a provider, and receive a prescription for antiviral pills.
People who are insured can also contact their healthcare provider to see if they are eligible for treatment. Early intervention with treatments may reduce severe illness and hospitalization for people who test positive for Covid-19.
“As we continue to experience swells in cases, those who are at risk for serious illness should check with their healthcare provider to see if they are eligible for Covid-19 treatments,” Dr. Cal Gordon, Deputy Santa Cruz County Health Officer, said. “We are hopeful that as more people learn about the new oral medications, they won’t delay in seeking care if they test positive.”
While health officials say Covid-19 vaccines and boosters remain the safest, most effective way to protect you from the virus, Covid-19 treatments can lower risk of severe illness and hospitalization. They work best when taken soon after symptoms begin.
If a person has symptoms, they should call or email their health care provider right away to ask about testing and if they qualify for Covid-19 treatments. If they don’t have a health care provider or don’t hear back from their provider, they can visit a Test to Treat location to get rapid testing and find out if they are eligible for treatments.
For information, visit santacruzhealth.org or call 454-4242 between the hours of 8am and 5pm, Monday through Friday.
