Expanded COVID-19 testing offered to people with symptoms

The province’s coronavirus testing strategy has been expanded to include anyone with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms.

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses including the flu and common cold. They 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

While testing has expanded, not everyone needs a test. COVID-19 testing is not recommended for people without symptoms.

Interior Health has 14 testing and assessment centres located across the health authority, including Penticton, Kelowna, Grand Forks and Vernon.

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.

More information, including the contact information for each of the centres in Interior Health and how to obtain your results, is available at https://news.interiorhealth.ca/news/testing-information/.