Individuals who are sick from COVID-19 and experiencing mild to moderate symptoms may take advantage of local test and treat programs available at Galveston County Health District (GCHD), UTMB Health and local urgent cares.

?It is important people know that if you are sick, there are test and treatment options readily available in the community,? said Dr. Philip Keiser, GCHD CEO and Galveston County local health authority. ?We?re not seeing many people take advantage of this.?

The health district will launch its COVID-19 test and treat program on Monday, July 18.

Individuals who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms that started within the past five days and have a recent positive COVID-19 test result are eligible for the program. Individuals will be tested first to confirm they do have COVID-19 and then will be screened to see if they are eligible for treatment.

?This program is designed for those who are already sick from COVID-19 and need treatment,? said Ashley Sciba, MPH, BSN, RN, Galveston County Health District director of community health services. ?Treatment will be available for those at an increased risk of developing severe disease or hospitalization.?

The testing service is free and there is no out of pocket cost to the individual to fill the prescription. Insurance providers may be billed for those who have commercial insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. Prescriptions may be filled at the individual?s preferred pharmacy.

Treatment options include Paxlovid, which is available for ages 12 and older who weigh at least 40kg (88 pounds), and Molnupiravir, which is available for ages 18 and older. Both are five-day treatment courses. The COVID-19 test and treat program is not limited to Galveston County residents.

Walk-ins are welcome and appointments are not needed. Insurance is not required to be tested. The health district?s COVID-19 test and treat program will be located at 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite B-103 in Texas City. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

?Due to the potential risk of spread of COVID-19, we ask that anyone coming in for the program wear a mask,? Sciba said.

For more information, please call 409.938.7221 or 409.938.2293, or email [email protected].

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