Northern Health issued updated guidelines Wednesday on when - and when not - to seek a test for COVID-19.
The agency says a test is not recommended for the following:
- You have no symptoms, even if you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive
- You are fully vaccinated (two doses), experiencing mild symptoms and can manage your illness at home. Self-isolate for five days. Notify your close contacts so they can self-monitor for symptoms.
Conversely, a test is recommended if you have symptoms and you are at higher risk of severe illness or identify with a high risk setting - such as health care workers, first responders, residents of congregate settings, or live in a remote or rural community.
If you feel unwell and are unsure about your symptoms, contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1.
More details and a full list of eligible symptoms and criteria is found here: When to get a COVID-19 test
A COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool is also available.
Rapid COVID-19 tests at NH test collection centres
Rapid COVID-19 tests are available at Northern Health testing centres, and may be provided to individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and according to risk factors.
Those seeking testing by filling out the NH COVID-19 Test Booking Form, or calling the Northern Health Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic, will be directed to a testing centre for either PCR testing, or to pick up a rapid test for home use based on their symptoms and risk factors. Availability of rapid tests may be limited at times, depending on supply.
If a rapid COVID-19 test indicates a positive result, you must continue to self-isolate and follow the guidance included in the test package, including how to self-report a positive result. For more information, visit: Understanding Test Results.
For the latest public health orders and public guidance, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/restrictions
For a list of all Northern Health COVID-19 immunization clinics and other resources visit: https://www.northernhealth.ca/health-topics/covid-19-immunization-clinics
