COVID survivor says Health Canada announcement on Paxlovid like “winning the lottery”

Matthew Cardinal hasn’t been this happy in a long time. The 34-year-old Regina man cried tears of joy when he heard Health Canada approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 treatment pill, called PAXLOVID.

The approval, announced on Monday, is a game-changer, according to Cardinal.

“This is tremendous. This is huge for everyone in Canada,” he said. “I had a good cry this morning when I read that.”

According to Pfizer, the pill can cut down the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19 by up to 89 per cent, if taken for mild to moderate bouts with the virus, within the first five days of symptom onset. The pills need to be prescribed by a doctor, and according to the company, doses are already on their way to Canada.

Cardinal caught the virus on March 17, 2021, and not long after, ended up on a ventilator in an ICU fighting for his life. He still suffers from lung issues nearly one year later.

“I’m doing some experimental COVID rehab right now and it seems to be helping. It’s a monitored gym – like, a doctor watches me for that hour – and if anything happens I have medical help immediately. That’s just my reality right now,” he said.

Cardinal said he wished the pill was available when he noticed symptoms, but wouldn’t hesitate to take the pill now if needed.

“I’m very emotional. This is outstanding. I feel this is a huge lottery win for everyone in Canada. It’s huge,” he said with a smile.

While Cardinal is back at work, he’s wearing an N-95 mask, keeping his bubble of contacts small, and hopes others are as well.

“When this pill is readily available and the numbers are cycling down, then we can pare it down. For now, just be careful,” he said.