The Long Beach Department of Health, in partnership with HealthVana, the City’s test result delivery partner, will provide free antiviral COVID-19 medication for those who test positive for the virus.
Whether receiving results from HealthVana, or a city-run location, residents can contact the Los Angeles County’s Telehealth phone line at 1-833-540-0473 to order free medication.
The City is attempting to lower the rising number of COVID cases, as Long Beach entered the yellow (medium) tier of the CDC’s Community Level on May 21.
On April 28, the seven-day rate for positive COVID tests in Long Beach was 72.8 people per 100,000. As of June 3, that number has more than doubled, reaching 230 people per 100,00, according to a statement from the city.
If taken within five days of symptoms, either medication, Paxlovid or Molnupiravir, reduces the virus’s ability to multiply and spread throughout the body. The prescription will be given over the phone line and should arrive at people’s homes by the next day, according to a statement from the city.
When residents receive a positive PCR COVID-19 test through HealthVana, they will now be prompted with a clickable link, giving them information on options for health care, including the option to request free antiviral medication by contacting the healthline.
Medication is free and offered regardless of whether a person has a health care provider or their immigration status.
The free prescriptions are meant to improve “health outcomes for all, especially those with less access to a primary care provider and those who are at higher risk,” according to a statement from the city.
Residents are urged to stay up to date on their vaccines and boosters, as well as use common sense measures such as staying home when sick or experiencing symptoms, washing hands more frequently, wearing a mask when traveling on indoor public transit and keeping a distance of six feet from others if you are unvaccinated, especially if experiencing symptoms.
The Los Angeles County Telehealth phone line is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
