Service operator E-Comm is reminding Canadians to only call 9-1-1 in case of a genuine medical emergency, and not as a hotline for updates on the COVID-19 pandemic.
E-Comm is asking residents to keep these vital lines free for emergencies, and reminding people the 9-1-1 emergency and non-emergency call takers cannot provide general information on the virus.
"Our call takers have been taking calls on 9-1-1 from people looking for information or updates about the COVID-19 virus," says E-Comm senior communications specialist Kaila Butler.
"If someone calls 9-1-1 in medical distress, then we transfer them to the ambulance service. Otherwise, we direct people to official health sources such as the BC Centre for Disease Control website or their local health authorities and phone lines like 811 or 1-888-COVID-19 for more information."
"We want to reinforce that it’s important to remember 9-1-1 cannot be treated like an information line. It is critical 9-1-1 lines are kept free for emergencies where people require immediate help from first responders."
E-Comm has listed a number of suggestions on its website for callers wanting information on COVID-19:
- Dial 1-888-COVID-19 for non-medical information about COVID-19 (available 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
- If you are sick, use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to help determine if you need further assessment or testing
- If you feel that you might have COVID-19, call ahead to your primary care provider’s office or 811 to assess whether you need testing
- Visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website for up-to-date information on COVID-19 in British Columbia or the Government of Canada website for national information and resources
- Visit your local police agency website for information about front counter closures and availability of services such as fingerprinting and criminal record checks
