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DHSS Press Release

Molly Magarik, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: Jill.Fredel@delaware.gov

DPH Media Contact:
Tim Turane
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: April 14, 2022
DHSS-4-2022

DPH LAUNCHES COVID-19 TEST-TO-TREAT PROGRAM IN DELAWARE

DOVER, DE (April 14, 2022) - Today, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the launch of the COVID-19 Test-to-Treat program in Delaware as part of a federal initiative aimed at providing convenient testing and treatment options combined in one location. Test-to-treat locations are designed to be a "one-stop shop" for individuals seeking diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 within five (5) days of showing symptoms.

How does the test-to-treat program work?

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, locate a test-to-treat site in Delaware and follow the facility's directions for scheduling an appointment or for walk-up patients (where permitted).
Once at the site, you will receive a rapid COVID-19 test.
If the test is positive for COVID-19, you will meet with an on-site health care provider to discuss treatment options.
If you and the health care provider determine one of the available treatments is best for you, you will receive the medication to take home.

Newark Urgent Care, located at 324 E. Main St. in Newark, is the first site to offer the test-to-treat option in Delaware. As more locations become available, they will be listed on the treatment page of Delaware's Coronavirus website (https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/covid-19-treatment-options/). The goal is to have at least one location in each county by the end of April.

Newark Urgent Care will accept both walk-in patients and patients who make an appointment online (https://newarkurgentcare.org/). Making an online appointment reduces wait times. The facility is open 24 hours a day and anyone who comes in will be evaluated and offered the test-to-treat program if they meet the criteria.

"Reaching out to your personal health care provider or visiting a test-to-treat site as soon as you experience symptoms is important," said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. "There are two oral medications available to assist in the treatment of COVID-19, but you must take them within five (5) days of your first symptoms. Test-to-treat clinics are another tool in our toolbox to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe. We are grateful to our outstanding community partners in helping us bring this program to the people of Delaware."

"We have partnered with the State of Delaware in providing more than 45,000 COVID tests since 2020," said Newark Urgent Care Medical Director Dr. Jack Horowitz. "In 2023, we will mark the 50th anniversary of Newark Urgent Care servicing the community with nearly one million patients seen. We are thrilled to continue and expand our partnership with the state and the community as the first to offer the test-to-treat program in Delaware."

For more information on the federal test-to-treat program, visit: https://aspr.hhs.gov/TestToTreat/Documents/Fact-Sheet.pdf

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DPH LAUNCHES COVID-19 TEST-TO-TREAT PROGRAM IN DELAWARE

Delaware's Government