This page gives you the information required to navigate our testing services and explains what to do if you are exposed to COVID-19 or test positive.
- I may have been exposed
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For the latest information for close contacts and people who may may been exposed to COVID-19, please visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1. This service is available in multiple languages.
- Should I get a COVID test?
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- Testing for COVID-19 is recommended when the result affects decisions about treatment or care. This includes people who have symptoms of COVID-19 and
- are currently hospitalized (any age)
- are pregnant
- are at risk of more severe disease
- are eligible for treatment (see details here)
- live or work in settings with others who are high-risk for severe illness
- If you have mild symptoms of COVID-19, you do not need a test. Stay home and away from others until you no longer have a fever and feel well enough to return to your regular activities.
- If you do not have symptoms of COVID-19, you do not need a test.
If you are unsure about whether to get a COVID-19 test
If you have questions about your symptoms, contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1.
- How do I book a testing appointment?
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In most cases testing appointments are no longer needed. You can safely complete a rapid test at home or, if you are more vulnerable and eligible for treatment, you can use a self-gargle test if your symptoms persist and your rapid test is negative. Please note that you will need to call 1-844-901-8442 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily to register the self-gargle test.
If self-gargle tests are not currently available in your community (Nanaimo and Victoria) and the Self-Assessment Tool recommends testing, please call 1-844-901-8442 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
- How do I get a rapid antigen test?
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Rapid antigen tests are free for BC residents aged 18+. You can pick up a kit from your local pharmacy. For more information about rapid tests, please visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/info/testing
- What kind of test should I do?
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Use a rapid test first. Rapid testing kits are available free at B.C. pharmacies. Keep a kit at home in case you need it.
Self-gargle kits are only available for people eligible for a COVID-19 test. Use the Self-Assessment Tool to determine if you require a test. If you are eligible, contact the call center to book an appointment or access a self-gargle kit: 1-844-901-8442 (daily 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
- What should I do after my test if I’m not eligible for treatment?
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If you test positive you need to self-isolate. The recommended length of self-isolation is different depending on your symptoms and vaccination status. Please visit the BCCDC website for details.
- What should I do after my test if I am eligible for treatment?
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- Testing for COVID-19 is recommended when the result affects decisions about treatment or care. This includes people who have symptoms of COVID-19 and
- are currently hospitalized (any age)
- are pregnant
- are at risk of more severe disease
- Are eligible for treatment (see details here)
- live or work in settings with others who are high-risk for severe illness
- If you meet the criteria above please use a rapid test kit at home. If the result is positive please self-isolate and call your physician or 811 to be assessed for treatment. Please note that treatment must start within five days of symptom onset. If you cannot get a timely appointment with your physician please call 811.
- If your rapid test is negative, your symptoms continue and you live in Nanaimo or Victoria, please call 1-844-901-8442 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
- Outside of Nanaimo and Victoria, please use a self-gargle test at home. If the result is positive please self-isolate and call your physician or 811 to be assessed for treatment.
- You can pick up a self-gargle kit at Island Health outpatient labs to keep on hand in case it is needed.
- How do I administer a rapid antigen test?
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Follow the testing kit instructions or get more information on the BCCDC website. You no longer need to report your test result online.
- How do I prepare for a gargle test?
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The gargle test method involves swishing and gargling sterile salt water and spitting it into a collection tube. Please follow the instructions that come with the kit.
- How do I get my test results?
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There are a number of options available to get your test results. Please click here for more details.
- How do I notify my close contacts?
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Contact tracing helps to stop the spread of COVID-19 by identifying people who have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19 and asking them to take certain steps. Precautions are different for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. '
Please review the instructions for identifying and notifying close contacts.
