Here is what you need to know if you live in B.C. and want to be tested for COVID-19

Anyone in B.C.who has symptoms ofCOVID-19 can be tested for the virus, according to the provincial government.

Since the initial days of the pandemic, testing has been expanded to find as many cases of COVID-19 in the province as possible.

Health officials saytests can be performed by a physician, nurse practitioner or at a local community collection centre.

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) says thereis no longer a requirement to be referred by a health-care provider or by calling 811 in order to get a test.

There is also anonline self-assessment toolto help users determine whether they should be tested for COVID-19.

Who shouldn't get tested?

If you aren't showing any symptoms, the PHSA says you shouldn't be tested at this point.

That includes health-care workers, people who have been in contact with someone who contracted the virus, andreturning travellers, it said.

The PHSAalso says routine screening of people without symptoms for COVID-19 prior to travel outside of B.C. is not available.

However, if you are a returning traveller, you must self-isolate for 14 days.

Health officials are planning to ramp up COVID-19 testing in the fall as B.C. braces for a second wave, with a targetof 20,000 tests a day.

Where can I get tested?

Testing stations are now open across the province, including in smaller communities.

In all, there are 87 community collection centres where the public can now be assessed.

"We also have more places where tests are run by both the BCDC and the health authorities so we can get results more quickly," said Health Minister Adrian Dix.

Anonline collection centre dashboardhas been created by the province to help determine your nearest location.

What happens after I've been tested?

While waiting for test results, it's important that anyone showing symptoms self-isolate at home, public health officials say.

If you have been tested for COVID-19 and are leaving your home for medical care, the BCCDC says to call the hospital, clinic, or doctor's office to prepare them for your visit. Remind each health-care provider that you are waiting for COVID-19 test results.

If your test results are positive, PHSA says you will be contacted directly. Those who do not hear from public health are asked to wait 72 hours to call to confirm negative test results.

You can alsoaccess your negative test resultsby text message or online.

If you need more non-medical information about COVID-19, the province has created an information line staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT. It can be reached at1-888-268-4319or via text message at604-630-0300.

When should I self-isolate?

The health authority says if you have symptoms like afever, cough,or sore throat, you must self-isolate for 10 days.

People arriving from abroad must self-isolate, whether or not they have symptoms, whichmeansstaying home and not goingto work or school or running errands, and monitoring for symptoms for 14 days after arriving in the country.

On March 25, the federal government imposedstrict, mandatory quarantine rules on travellers returning to Canada and is promising heavy fines and jail time for those who ignore the warning.

On April 8, the provincial government announced that every traveller returning to B.C. from abroad will be required to present a formal self-isolation plan to provincial and federal authorities before they are allowed to enter the province.

Watch how you should self-isolate at home:

What to do if you're self-isolating at home for COVID-19

4 years ago

Duration 1:50

You might choose to self-isolate at home if youve been exposed, or think youve been exposed, to COVID-19. Ellen Mauro explains what to do.

If you feel ill

Provincial health officials and BCCDC want people who are concerned they may have COVID-19 to stay away from others.

If you are feeling poorly,call HealthLink BC at 811 to talk to a nurse and get advice.HealthLink is a part of the Ministry of Health, the phone call is free and translation services are availablein more than 130 languages.

Seek urgent medical care if it becomes harder to breathe, you can't drink anything or feel much worse. Call 911 if you or someone in your care has chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding.