COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. It is spread mostly from person to person. Most people who get COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate illness and not require hospital care. Some people are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19 and require medical attention. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent serious outcomes.

Read more about symptoms of COVID-19

Visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website for further details on:

• Prevention and Risks
• Childcare and Schools
• Information for businesses
• Indigenous Community Resources

Learn how to get immunized

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine

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:

• At risk of more severe disease and may benefit from treatment
  • Please visit the BCCDC website for further information on people who may benefit from treatment
• Hospitalized
• Pregnant

If you have symptoms and testing is recommended for you, please access testing at your local physician’s office, a walk-in clinic, or primary care centre. 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.

If you have symptoms and testing is not recommended for you, please stay home until you feel well enough to return to regular activities and you do not have a fever. You can get a rapid antigen test kit, if you like. Rapid Antigen Test Kits are free for everyone. Visit your local pharmacy and ask for a testing kit.

Visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website for further details

Read more information about the types of tests for COVID-19

People with symptoms who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home until their fever has resolved and they feel well enough to participate in daily activities.

Some people with COVID-19 are eligible for treatment to prevent serious illness. Please visit the Government of BC website for further details and to see if you're eligible for treatment. Treatments should be started within seven days of when symptoms started.

Visit the BC Centre for Disease Control website for further details and advice if you have tested positive for COVID-19

Read more about COVID-19 and children

Close contacts of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19 do not need to self-isolate.

Read more about COVID-19 exposures and close contacts