Thread by @EthnicMediaSvc

At 11 a.m. this morning, @EthnicMediaSvc goes live with a discussion on beating the winter Covid surge with widely-available treatments. Join us on our Facebook page. ethnicmediaservices.org/media-briefing…

"We are in the winter surge," says Dr. Rita Nguyen of the California Dept. of Public Health. "This is the 1st winter surge of a three-year pandemic where we have treatments available."

"Isolate and seek treatment when you are Covid positive," says Dr. Rita Nguyen at an @EthnicMediaSvc news briefing moderated by Regina Wilson of @CaliforniaBlac2 #COVID19 "As soon as you start to feel sick, get treatment." Decreases risk by 85%

Treatments can prevent long-Covid, says Dr. Rita Nguyen of the CDPH. The vast majority of people over the age of 12 are eligible for treatment @CAPublicHealth @CaliforniaBlac2 @EthnicMediaSvc

Ethnic and socio-economic disparities exist in treatment availability, says Dr. Rita Nguyen. @CAPublicHealth Find a #TesttoTreat location or go to CVS or Walgreens

@DrJasmeetBains says rural residents in California have less access to information and Covid-19 treatment. "Rural counties are experiencing a huge surge," exacerbated by the spike of lung illness, says the new member of the California State Assembly

Older adults account for 90 percent of Covid deaths, says Dr. Wynnelena C Canio, @wccaniomd "Early treatment is so important."

Older adults are not getting booster shots, says Dr. Wynnelena C Canio, @wccaniomd @EthnicMediaSvc @CaliforniaBlac2

Dr. Oliver Brooks of Watts Medical Center says that communities of color are often not even offered treatment. We must focus on ensuring you have access to treatment.

A large percentage of deaths could be prevented by one treatment of Paxlovid, says Dr. Daniel Turner Lloveras, @djtlmd. But disparities in treatment exist @EthnicMediaSvc @CaliforniaBlac2

Digital exclusion has led to a high number of Covid deaths, says Dr. Daniel Turner Lloveras, @djtlmd. He discussed the difficulty of getting his mother treatment when she tested positive for Covid. "The phone call we waited for all day never came."

One out of five African American household do not have internet access, says Dr. Oliver Brooks of Watts Medical Center. Digital skills are so important to navigating the pandemic.

All Covid treatments are free, and evaluation is also free, says Dr. Rita Nguyen, of @CAPublicHealth "Pills are free for everyone regardless of insurance coverage or immigration status."

"The problem in rural areas in trying to see a doctor who will prescribe medication," says @DrJasmeetBains noting that getting an appointment can take two to three months. @EthnicMediaSvc @CaliforniaBlac2

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