By Laura Keil
Some 400 residents were tested for COVID-19 in the Interior Health & Northern Health jurisdictions between March 13 & 21st, in light of 35 confirmed cases in those areas, as of Monday, March 23rd.
On Monday, the Province announced they had expanded testing to 3,000 per day. In all, BC had tested some 18,000 people, with 472 confirmed cases, 13 deaths and 100 recovered.
Northern Health Communications spokesperson Eryn Collins said testing is available in every community, but those with symptoms should not go to testing locations without an appointment.
“For those who are referred for testing, a Patient Care Coordinator will call them with their testing appointment details, including instructions on how to enter the testing facility to which they have been referred.”
Collins says the Northern Health COVID-19 Online Clinic and Information Line can be reached at 1-844-645-7811, offering information, virtual screening and assessment for individuals who feel they may have COVID-19 or feel they have been exposed. By calling the Online Clinic, they may be assessed by a nurse, and may see a physician or nurse practitioner if it is required.
Only five confirmed cases of COVID-19 were logged in the North as of Monday, though staff at the Crescent Spur heli-ski lodge self isolated after a guest tested positive after returning home to the U.S.
