Kamloops residents looking to get a COVID-19 test will have to go to a new part of town.
According to a release from Interior Health, testing will only be done by appointment at Kamloops Public Health, which is located on 519 Columbia Street.
As of now, only urgent testing by physician referral will take place at the Kamloops Urgent Primary Care Centre. This move allows the primary care nurse at UPCC to focus on patients requiring immediate care.
For those who don't know, testing hours take place between Monday and Friday, though after this weekend, they will also be open on Saturdays. Residents may call seven days a week to book appointments.
"It’s important to know that it is not essential to get a test within 48 hours," wrote IH. "Anyone with symptoms associated with COVID-19 should self isolate before and after their test and until the symptoms are gone. To date, most people are getting in for appointments within 24 hours."
If you get a negative test back, you should still self-isolate for a couple of days. Delays in testing could take place if there is a steep increase in the number of calls from would-be testers.
"Our teams are working hard to ensure everyone gets their appointments and tests as quickly as possible. We also want to remind people that you do not need a test if you don’t have symptoms."
If the unit doesn't pick up your call, leave a message and they will get back.
