Referral-only clinics to screen for COVID-19 have opened in Nanaimo, Port Alberni and the Cowichan Valley.
The clinics will serve only those who have been referred by a primary-care provider or an 811 nurse. Island Health asks people not to call or go to any screening clinic unless referred.
Testing is prioritized for people meeting specific criteria.
People who should be tested are those with respiratory symptoms who are hospitalized or likely to be hospitalized, health-care workers, residents of long-term care facilities and those who are part of an investigation or cluster or outbreak, Island Health said in a statement.
“People living in a region with a screening clinic who are assessed as meeting testing criteria and requiring follow-up will be directed to call their local screening clinic,” Island Health said. “A triage nurse at the clinic will then assess referred patients over the phone to determine if an appointment for testing is needed.”
Island Health is working with B.C.’s Ministry of Health and with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
People with mild respiratory symptoms which can be managed at home do not need to be tested, the statement said.
Someone can contact their primary-care provider or call HealthLink B.C. at 811 to be assessed. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, dry cough or difficulty breathing, or who is concerned they may have been exposed to COVID-19, can go to an online self-assessment tool at covid19.thrive.health/.
