The province says monoclonal antibody treatment is now available for those in Saskatchewan who have tested positive for COVID-19.

That one-time treatment is effective in the very early phase of infection and is intended to prevent unvaccinated or severely immunosuppressed residents who have contracted COVID-19 from requiring hospitalization.

Those eligible for the treatment would include those not vaccinated against the virus, immunocompromised patients, those 55 or older or those over 18 who have a high-risk of comorbidity. Treatment must begin within five days of symptoms starting.

Monoclonal antibody treatment is a one-time treatment, delivered intravenously.

These treatments will be available from Saskatoon and Regina only through existing SHA testing and treatment sites at this time. These locations are currently staffed and supplied to safely manage COVID-19 patients.

Initially, eligible patients will be identified through the case investigation process. Beginning November 1, people who test positive for COVID-19 can self-assess their eligibility for monoclonal antibodies by visiting Saskatchewan.ca/covid-19.  If eligible, they will be directed on next steps for booking a further assessment. The final decision to prescribe monoclonal antibodies will be made by clinicians.