ST. PAUL – Patients who test positive for COVID-19 at test sites will have immediate access to the treatment drug Paxlovid at those sites, Gov. Tim Walz announced Wednesday.

The addition of the pharmaceuticals to these state-run sites further streamlines the process for Minnesotans seeking treatment for COVID-19.

The testing, evaluation by a clinician and prescriptions themselves will continue to come at no cost to Minnesotans. The prescription medications will be available at the St. Paul-Midway community testing site, and at test-to-treat sites in Moorhead, Brooklyn Park, Duluth and MSP Airport.

“Minnesotans who need COVID-19 medication now have an even better way to get it,” Walz said. “By bringing these treatments to our testing sites, they’re truly a one-stop shop for people who feel sick, need a test and qualify for treatment. We continue working hard to make COVID-19 resources available to more Minnesotans, more easily.”

“By continuing to make this process easier and more seamless, we are hopeful that more people are able to access this critical tool for helping to prevent severe disease and keep people out of the hospital,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm. “Minnesotans who feel ill and are at high risk of severe COVID-19 should visit a test-to-treat site or speak to their health care provider to see if medication is right for them.”

Malcolm said the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy assisted in improving access to the medications.

Since opening earlier this month, these community test-to-treat sites have prescribed medication to more than 580 Minnesotans.

Minnesotans who test positive for COVID-19 via a rapid antigen test will be able to choose to be evaluated on site by a clinician and be given a prescription for the antiviral medication Paxlovid if it is deemed appropriate. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are recommended at mn.gov/covid19.

Minnesotans seeking medication at community test-to-treat sites should be prepared to provide details of their medical history, particularly their current medications, to the on-site clinician.

COVID-19 therapeutics are not right for everyone, but they can reduce severe illness or risk of hospitalization among patients who are unvaccinated, elderly, or have other risk factors.

The community test-to-treat locations join the existing 61 test-to-treat sites that are already operating statewide across Minnesota, mostly located at clinics or pharmacies with Minute Clinics. Minnesotans can find other test-to-treat sites using the federal government’s Test to Treat locator. Some sites may require appointments.

Outside of the test-to-treat program, medications are available through Minnesotans’ health care providers. Minnesotans who test positive for COVID-19 should reach out to their doctor or health care provider to see if treatment is right for them.