With more than 1,700 COVID-19 cases reported in BC on Monday, Interior Health is updating its guide on testing for the virus.

A COVID-19 test is not recommended if:

  • You won’t have symptoms even if you’re in close contact with someone who tests positive.
  • You are fully vaccinated (two doses), have mild symptoms, and can treat your illness at home. Self-isolate for seven days. Notify your close contacts so they can monitor symptoms themselves.

A COVID-19 test is recommended if:

  • You have one or more of the following symptoms: fever or chills; To cough; Loss of smell or taste; or difficulty breathing.
  • You have had one or more of the following symptoms for more than 24 hours without improvement: sore throat; Loss of appetite; Headache or body aches; extreme fatigue; Nausea or vomiting; Diarrhea.

If you feel unwell and are not sure about your symptoms, contact your doctor or call 811.

Still not sure? Use the BC COVID-19 self-assessment tool to determine if you need to be tested.

For more details and a full list of symptoms and criteria you may consider here: When to Get a COVID-19 Test.

Rapid COVID-19 Tests at IH Community Collection Centers – Week of December 27th

Rapid COVID-19 tests will be available in the Interior Health Community Collection Centers starting the week of December 27th. Where available, rapid tests can be done for people with COVID-19 symptoms and depending on risk factors.

No appointment is required to collect a rapid test. Access may be temporarily restricted depending on the available offer.

If a COVID-19 rapid test shows a positive result, you must continue to self-isolate and follow the instructions included in the test package, including reporting a positive result to yourself. For more information, see Understanding Test Results.

READ MORE: BC COVID-19 case rate remains high, Fraser Health highest

READ MORE: Canada Records More Than 2 Million COVID-19 Cases; Healthcare workers prepare for Spike

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Would you like to support local journalism? Donate here.

COVID-19

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR