New COVID testing site opens in Kelowna

Aug 4, 2020 | 1:06 PM

A new COVID-19 testing and assessment centre has opened in Kelowna, providing more access to testing for people who may have been exposed to the virus.

The temporary facility is located at Interior Health’s Community Health and Services Centre (CHSC) at 505 Doyle Avenue, and open for testing during evening hours, from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., seven days a week.

Individuals do not require an appointment and will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis.

At last report (July 31) there were 137 COVID-19 cases linked to Kelowna since the Canada Day holiday.

“We are taking a different approach and trying something new at the CHSC,” Dr. Sue Pollock, IH Chief Medical Health Officer, said. “Many of the people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Kelowna this month have been in their 20s and 30s, and live, work and socialize downtown. This site is set up to be convenient and accessible for these individuals and others, so that getting tested when you may have been exposed to COVID-19 is easy, and we can stop the spread.”

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The centre will be in place for two weeks, with potential for it to be extended longer should there be a continued need.

IH’s testing and assessment centre at the Kelowna Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) will continue to offer COVID-19 testing by appointment, 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. seven days per week to all individuals with symptoms, however mild. Appointments at the UPCC can be made by phone: 250-469-6985.

The symptoms of COVID-19 include the following:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Other milder symptoms may include: runny nose, fatigue, body aches (muscles and joints aching), diarrhea, headache, sore throat, vomiting and red eyes.

IH reminds everyone of the importance of following COVID-19 precautions:

Stay home and avoid travel if you have symptoms, even mild ones.
Maintain physical distancing (two metres apart) and use masks when distancing is not possible.
Wash your hands regularly and do not touch your face.
Keep your gatherings small and spend time only with those you know. Limit gatherings to outdoors whenever possible.

by Pete McIntyre

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