Update May 7, 2020: Information has been updated since this news release was published. Visit our COVID-19 Symptoms, Testing and Isolation web page for up-to-date information.
April 28 News Release:
B.C.’s COVID-19 testing strategy has been expanded to include anyone with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms, however mild.
While testing has expanded, not everyone needs a test. COVID-19 testing is not recommended for people without symptoms.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses including the flu and common cold. They include:
- fever
- chills
- cough
- shortness of breath
- sore throat
- painful swallowing
- stuffy or runny nose
- loss of sense of smell
- headache
- muscle aches
- fatigue
- loss of appetite
At this time, any physician or nurse practitioner can order a test for a patient with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms based on their clinical judgment.
Island Health COVID-19 Testing Call Centre
If you do not have a primary care provider, please call Island Health’s Call Centre at 1-844-901-8442 to be assessed to determine if you need testing (with the exception of residents in the Mt. Waddington region, who should call 250-902-6091).
Making a COVID-19 testing appointment
Appointments for COVID-19 testing must be pre-booked through a primary care provider or Island Health’s Call Centre. Testing sites are unable to accommodate unscheduled or walk-in visits. Find a testing site, also known as a collection centre, at a location near you.
Island Health asks members of the public to please not go to a hospital emergency department seeking COVID-19 testing. However, people experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Read more about symptoms, testing and isolation.
For more information, please visit the BCCDC webpage on COVID-19 testing.