But with the end of the California State of Emergency Order related to COVID-19, many counties are facing new challenges and uncertainty. The pandemic proved Californians can easily access care at any of the state’s 5,600 pharmacies, more so than any other primary care facility. Pharmacists are medical professionals who should be allowed to continue to treat patients. In 2022, the California Department of Public Health launched a $158 million “Test to Treat” campaign to help increase access to COVID-19 treatment. Modeled after the national Test to Treat Program, California’s Test to Treat program aimed to provide high-risk patients who test positive with instant access to antiviral medications.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 14, 2023 03:12 UTC