BC Government releases coronavirus self-assessment tool online

The provincial government has released a self-assessment tool that can be accessed by the public amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The free, online tool, was made available on Monday and tells users if they, or someone they know, requires further testing.

Our self-assessment tool for #COVID19 is now online and will help determine if you need further assessment or testing. You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to. https://t.co/gU1yYmInNk

— Adrian Dix (@adriandix) March 17, 2020

The questionnaire asks if users have experienced severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, having difficulty waking up, confusion, or a loss of consciousness.

Anyone who developed severe or minor symptoms within two weeks of travelling outside of Canada, or anyone who had close contact with a probable or confirmed coronavirus case or someone who left the country, is asked to self-isolate and contact HealthLink BC.

It will ask anyone with minor symptoms, such as fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, and difficulty breathing, they’re simply told to stay at home for 14 days “as a precaution” and to continue using the self-assessment tool.

The tool says that those who should be tested for coronavirus are people with respiratory systems that are hospitalized, health care workers, residents of long-term care facilities, or those who are part of an investigation of a cluster or outbreak.

“People without symptoms” or “patients with mild respiratory symptoms who can be managed at home” do not need to be tested, according to the tool. This, according to the self-assessment tool, includes “returning travellers with an onset of illness within 14 days of return to Canada.”

Many British Columbians, however, are arguing that everybody should be tested, including people who only show mild symptoms.

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The province has also created a phone line that can provide non-medical information regarding the coronavirus pandemic, including travel recommendations and social distancing.

The service is available in over 110 different languages and can be accessed between 7:30 am and 8 pm at 1-888-268-4319 or via text message.

On Monday, BC Health Officials announced 30 additional cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of cases in the province to 103. It was also announced that three people passed away as a result of the virus.

With coronavirus on the rise, BC public health authorities are reminding individuals who attend events and large gatherings to monitor their health for signs and symptoms of COVID-19. And if you’re not feeling well, they recommend staying home at this time. Also, due to unexpected cancellations, please check the event you plan to attend is still taking place. Keep up with COVID-19 news here.