North Central Public Health District says the antiviral medicine Paxlovid, used for treating mild to moderate COVID-19, is available locally. Paxlovid, a five-day course of two separate medications, is available to those 12 and up who have tested positive for COVID and are at high risk for getting severe COVID. NCPHD officials say Paxlovid has been proven to reduce the chance of being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19 by nearly 90%. It must be started within five days of symptom onset. High risk persons include those who are 65 or older and those with underlying conditions such as cancer, diabetes or obesity. People with severe liver or kidney disease should not receive Paxlovid. NCPHD officials say it is very important for all people with high risk medical conditions to contact their health care provider if they contract COVID-19 to see what treatments are available, and to get tested as soon as any symptoms develop. Paxlovid is available at Mid-Columbia Medical Center, which NCPHD says has given the medicine to over 20 people.