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New COVID-19 treatment public awareness campaign to educate New Yorkers who test positive

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Tue, Jul 12th 2022 12:10 pm

More information on COVID-19 treatment options available here

√ Follows announcement of new free treatment hotline launched Monday

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a new public awareness campaign on treatment options for people who test positive for the coronavirus and have symptoms. The approximately $1 million awareness campaign will run in English and Spanish across TV, radio and digital media, encouraging New Yorkers to test early for COVID-19 and treat it as soon as possible if they test positive.

The governor’s team said, “The media rollout further cements the administration's commitment to educate all New Yorkers on COVID-19 treatments and how to help protect themselves from becoming seriously ill.”

Hochul said, "We continue to build on our ongoing efforts to protect New Yorkers as we navigate the pandemic. Treatment is a critical tool to reduce COVID-19 symptoms and prevent serious illness, and this new public awareness campaign equips New Yorkers with the facts about treatment options that are available."

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "The earlier treatment is started after a positive test result, the better it works at reducing symptoms and preventing more serious illness. This new public awareness campaign delivers an important message to all New Yorkers about the need to undergo testing as soon as symptoms appear, and to contact their health care provider right away to see which treatment is the best option. Being vaccinated and boosted is still the best protection against COVID-19."

The campaign features links to resources about COVID-19 treatment options on the state Health Department's website at health.ny.gov/CovidTreatment. The multiplatform ads encourage New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing symptoms to talk to their health care provider about their treatment options. The ads will run on TV, radio and digital media until August.

The ad states, “If you test positive for COVID-19 and have symptoms, ask your health care provider if free treatment makes sense for you. Don't delay. The sooner you start treatment the better it works. Being vaccinated and boosted is still the best protection against COVID-19. But if you do get sick, stay home. And if you test positive, talk to your health care provider right away about your treatment options. Test early. Treat early. Learn more at health.ny.gov/CovidTreatment.

This announcement follows the launch of a new free hotline, announced Monday by the governor, for those who test positive for COVID-19, but don't have a health care provider, as part of the administration's efforts to keep New Yorkers protected throughout the pandemic. All New Yorkers outside of New York City, regardless of income or health insurance coverage who test COVID-19 positive, are eligible to be evaluated for treatment by calling 888-TREAT-NY (888-873-2869); or by completing an evaluation at the NYS COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access website, which includes a telemedicine visit. New York City residents should call 212-COVID-19.

Visit the New York State Department of Health website for more information on New York's response to COVID-19.

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