Interior Health announces expanded testing for COVID-19 symptoms
By Nelson Daily Staff
In a media release Monday, Interior Health said B.C.’s testing COVID-19 strategy has been expanded to include anyone with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms, however mild.
The release said symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses including the flu and common cold.
These symptoms of COVID-19 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
The release said while testing has expanded, not everyone needs a test as COVID-19 testing is not recommended for people without symptoms.
Interior Health has 14 testing and assessment centres located across the health authority, including Nelson, Trail, Cranbrook, Sparwood and Grand Forks in the Kootenay/Boundary region and others in 100 Mile House, Salmon Arm, Williams Lake, Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton, Revelstoke, and Golden.
Interior Health said testing at these centres is by appointment.
“Anyone who needs a test should call their primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) or the closest Interior Health community testing and assessment centre directly to arrange a test,” the media release said.
More information, including the contact information for each of the centres in IH and how to obtain your results, is available on the IH website.
