B.C.’s testing COVID-19 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
If a person tests positive, they will be contacted by public health officials. Anyone seeking COVID-19 testing should be self-isolating until they receive a negative test result. Most results are available within 24-48 hours of the test.
Testing can be done through a primary care provider, walk-in clinic, urgent primary care centre or community collection centre.
Contact your physician or nurse practitioner’s office, or call the NH COVID Online Clinic at 1-844-645-7811, to arrange for a test. Phone numbers and locations of collection centres can be found by visiting the BCCDC COVID-19 Testing page, or by calling 8-1-1.
Written and released by Northern Health Click the link above to view this same story on the Northern Health website.
PJXM Prince George 