Determining if COVID-19 testing is necessary
A COVID-19 test is recommended for people who meet the criteria for treatment and have symptoms of COVID-19:
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.
People who may benefit from treatment
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
- 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
- Are on active treatment with immunosuppressive therapies
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 70 and older and have three or more chronic conditions
- Aged 70 years or older and have three or more chronic condition (regardless of vaccination status).
Chronic conditions may include obesity, diabetes, heart failure, stroke and neurological conditions.
People who are unvaccinated or who have not had a booster dose
- Unvaccinated individuals:
- Aged 50 years and older, or
- Have three or more chronic conditions that increase the risk of severe illness or hospitalization
- People who have not yet received a booster dose:
- Aged 50–69 years and have three or more chronic conditions that increase the risk of severe illness or hospitalization
- Aged 70 years and older and have one or more chronic conditions that increase the risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
Chronic conditions may include obesity, diabetes, heart failure, stroke and neurological conditions.
People who self-identify as Indigenous
You self-identify as Indigenous and are any of:
- 70+ years old
- 50+ years old and haven't had 3 doses of vaccine
- Unvaccinated (any age)
Proof of ancestry is not required.
See if you qualify for treatment
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.
- 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, managing your symptoms, and notifying all of your close contacts.
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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