Testing has been expanded across B.C. for COVID-19 as the number of new cases and community transmission drops. (File Photo)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

COVID-19 TESTING

Island Health expands COVID-19 testing for patients with cold, flu

Apr 28, 2020 | 1:40 PM

NANAIMO — The province, along with its health authority partners have expanded COVID-19 testing across B.C.

Island Health announced Tuesday, April 28 they will now test for COVID-19 in anyone with symptoms of cold, flu or the novel coronavirus. Testing is still not recommended for people who exhibit no symptoms.

Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, painful swallowing, stuffy or runny nose, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue and loss of appetite.

Island Health’s call centre is staffed to assess whether or not a test is needed. Vancouver Island residents can call 1-844-901-8442 to get more information.

Doctors or nurse practitioners can also order a test for a patient with any of the above symptoms, however Island Health requested people do not go to the emergency department to seek a COVID-19 test.

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Tests for COVID-19 are pre-booked and walk-ins to collection centres are not being accommodated.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced two new cases of COVID-19 in the Island Health region on Monday, April 27.

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