New York City To Begin Free, Same-Day Home Delivery Of COVID-19 Pill Treatments

In the persevering fight against COVID-19, New York City is striving to make treatment a little more accessible for the city’s residents now that the more easily-administered oral pills are a viable option. 

During a news conference held on Sunday, Mayor Eric Adams announced that eligible New Yorkers with an appropriate prescription may be able to get free, same-day delivery of antiviral pills. 

The two available pills are Paxlovid, developed by Pfizer, and molnupiravir from Merck. These are distributed by Alto Pharmacy, a telehealth provider partnering with the city, per The New York Times. Paxlovid can be used in anyone above 12 years old, while molnupiravir is recommended for those 18 and up. 

These are taken daily for five days to reduce the viral load in the body as well as prevent symptoms from getting any worse, as reported by Gothamist.

“We want to make sure that no one with Covid has to move throughout the city,” Adams stated. “We want to bring it to you and we want you to take advantage of this.”

Those who test positive and are at higher risk for severe illness will be given priority, as supplies are still limited at this time. 

Some of the other criteria needed to be eligible for free delivery include being within five days of symptom onset, having mild to moderate symptoms, and not having been hospitalized. 

[via The New York Times and Gothamist, image via Merck]