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Determining if COVID-19 testing is necessary People who may benefit from treatment If COVID-19 testing is necessary for you What to do if COVID-19 testing is not recommended If you test positive for COVID-19 PCR Testing

COVID-19 Testing Information

There are different options to get tested for COVID-19. The first option is to utilize the rapid antigen test. In certain situations, your health-care provider may schedule an in-office testing appointment with you.

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Determining if COVID-19 testing is necessary

A COVID-19 test is recommended when a positive or negative result will inform decisions about treatment or care.

Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of COVID-19 and who are:

People who may benefit from treatment

Treatments like Paxlovid or Remdesivir may be beneficial if you have mild or moderate symptoms that started in the past seven days and tested positive, and if you fit into any of the following situations:

People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised
  • Have had an organ transplant and are taking anti-rejection medications
  • Have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant
  • Are receiving treatment for cancer, including haematological malignancies
  • Have been diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency disorder
  • Have been diagnosed with HIV and are not currently taking medication for it or have advanced HIV
  • Are on dialysis and/or have severe kidney disease and receiving any immunosuppressants
  • Taking immunosuppressive therapies:
    • High dose of steroids
    • Biologics (for example: adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, interferon products)
    • Anti-CD20 agents (for example: rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, obinutuzumab, ibritumomab, tositumomab)
    • B-cell depleting agents (for example: epratuzumab, belimumab, atacicept, anti-BR3, alemtuzumab)
    • Immune-suppressing agents (for example: cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, methotrexate)
  • Have received a letter from the Office of the Provincial Health Office stating that you are clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) because you are immunocompromised
People with conditions that put them at higher risk of severe disease
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma requiring hospitalization in the last year
  • Taking biologics for asthma, severe lung disease and at least one of the following:
    • Long-term home therapy
    • Assessment for lung transplant
    • Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension
    • Severe pulmonary fibrosis/interstitial lung disease
  • Diagnosed with a rare blood disorder or inborn error of metabolism
  • Insulin-dependent diabetes
  • Splenectomy or functional asplenia
  • Significant developmental disabilities
  • Neurological or other condition requiring use of a ventilator or continuous bi-PAP
  • On dialysis or have stage 5 chronic kidney disease (eGFR ≤ 15ml/min)
People who are categorized under two of the following three groups
  1. Are a senior
    • 70 years or older
    • 60 years or older and Indigenous
  2. Are unvaccinated, or have not received two vaccines plus a booster in the past year
  3. Have 1 or more serious chronic medical condition
    • Stroke
    • Heart failure or heart disease
    • Chronic kidney or liver disease
    • Chronic lung disease such as COPD
    • Diabetes
    • Neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s

If COVID-19 testing is necessary for you

Rapid antigen tests are the easiest and fastest way to connect eligible patients to treatment in the community.

Rapid antigen testing kits are available free for everyone. Visit your local pharmacy and ask for a testing kit. Once you have the kit:

  • Take a rapid test on onset of symptoms. If positive contact health-care provider or provincial treatment assessment line to see if treatment is an option for you.
  • If negative and symptoms persist or worsen, repeat the test in 24 hours
  • If negative repeat the test every day for 5 days as long as symptoms are not improving. If the test remains negative after day 5 it is unlikely to be COVID-19.

If you find it hard to breathe, have chest pain, can’t drink anything, feel very sick, and/or feel confused, contact your health care provider right away or go to your local emergency department or call 9-1-1.

People who may benefit from treatment can be prescribed medications based on a positive result from a rapid antigen or PCR test. After March 31, 2023 patients may access PCR testing through their health-care provider if they agree it’s necessary.

What to do if COVID-19 testing is not recommended

Stay home and away from others until you feel well enough to return to your regular activities and you do not have a fever.

If you’re not eligible for treatment, testing is not recommended. However, you may take a rapid antigen test for your own peace of mind.

If you test positive for COVID-19

A positive test result for COVID-19 means that you have detectable levels of the COVID-19 virus in your body. You will need to self-isolate. 

Please visit BCCDC's Testing Positive page for information on self-isolating and managing your symptoms.

See if you qualify for treatment: 

PCR Testing

In a small number of cases a health-care provider may recommend a COVID-19 PCR test. In these circumstances the health-care provider will arrange to see the patient for testing.  Please follow the directions from your health-care provider.

 

First Nation Health Service Organizations COVID-19 testing

We collaborate with First Nation Health Service Organizations to provide COVID-19 care within their communities.  

Some testing services are available through First Nation Health Service Organizations.  Please call to determine how to access assistance with COVID-19 Testing.

Location Facility Address Phone Number
Coldwater Scw'exmx Health Services 103-2090 Coutlee Ave Merritt 250-378-9745
Lower Similkameen Indian Band Lower Similkameen Indian Band Building 1420 Hwy 3, Cawston 250-499-2265 Extension 129 or 144
Lytton First Nation Lytton First Nation   250-256-8182
Nooaitch Scw'exmx Health Services 103-2090 Coutlee Ave Merritt 250-378-9745
Okanagan Indian Band Community Services and Development   76 Head of Lake Road, Vernon 250-542-5094 or 236-600-0242
Penticton Indian Band Snxastwilxtn Centre “A Place to Heal” 198 Outma Sqilx’w Place 250-493-7799
Shackan Scw'exmx Health Services 103-2090 Coutlee Ave Merritt 250-378-9745
Simpcw (Barriere) Simpcw Health Department 7555 Dunn Lake Rd, Barriere 250-672-9925
or 778-220-8783
Splatsin Splatsin Health Centre 5775 Old Vernon Road 250-838-9538
Stswecem’c (Dog Creek) Dog Creek health Centre 5822 Lily Ln. 250-398-9814
Three Corners Health Society- Williams Lake Three Corners Health Society 150 N. 1st Ave 250-398-9814
Tlesqox/Toosey Toosey Clinic 36 Raven Rd
Toosey, Riske Cr		 250-659-5655
Ulkatcho/Anahim Lake Anahim Lake Nursing Station 6674 Clinic Lane 250-742-3305
Westbank First Nation Health and wellness building upstairs entrance 1900 Quail Lane Drive through testing only
250-768-0227
Williams Lake - Texelc Sugar Cane Health Centre 2780 Indian Dr. 250-398-9814
Xatsull (Soda Creek) Soda Creek Health Centre 3405 Mountain House Rd. 250-398-9814
Xgat’tem (Canoe Creek) Canoe Creek Health Centre 23 Meadow Lake Rd. 250-398-9814
Yunesit'in/Stone Yunesit’in Health Clinic and Government Office- 6678 Taseko Rd Hanceville 250-394-4041

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