New COVID-19 testing & collection site in South Island

Island Health has opened a new COVID-19 testing and collection site at the Victoria Conference Centre. People with cold, flu or COVID-19-like symptoms can now book an appointment to get a test at the Victoria Conference Centre (720 Douglas Street).

As with all other Island Health testing sites, the Victoria Conference Centre (VCC) is by appointment only and will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Drop-in testing is not available.

Testing will be provided inside the VCC pavilion. Free parking and the walk-in entry point can be accessed off of Douglas Street on the south side of the building. The testing and collection area is completely separate from the ongoing immunization clinic, which is accessed off of Douglas Street on the east side of the building. 

To determine whether you require a COVID-19 test, please use the bc.thrive.health self-assessment tool. People with symptoms can call: 1-844-901-8442 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily, and expect to hear back from an Island Health representative within 24-hours to schedule a test. Please have your personal health number (or your child’s) available when booking a test and when arriving at the collection site. 

Mouth rinse and gargle tests are available for both children and adults within Island Health. Read the mouth rinse and gargle instructions for adults to learn what to expect. It is recommended that children being tested watch a video in advance to understand and practice the gargle test process. 

For information about self-isolation before and after testing, please visit the BCCDC website

Our thanks to the Victoria Conference Centre and the City of Victoria for continuing to support Island Health’s ongoing pandemic response.