New COVID-19 assessment centre opens in Vancouver

A new testing site is now open in Vancouver to provide increased screening and testing for coronavirus.

Located in the north parking lot of Vancouver Community College, on East 7th Avenue between Keith and Glen Drive, the site is open daily from 9 am to 7:30 pm. It can accommodate both walk-in and drive-through clients.

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“People visiting the new Vancouver COVID-19 testing site will not need a referral or appointment, and will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis,” said Vancouver Coastal Health in a release. “Identifying new cases of COVID-19 in a timely manner is important to help prevent community spread of the virus and this new assessment centre will contribute to those efforts.”

Assessment for testing, if indicated, will be conducted for those with symptoms of COVID-19, which can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough or worsening of chronic cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Loss of sense of smell or taste
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle aches

And while they are less common, officials said symptoms can also include:

• Stuffy nose
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Dizziness, confusion
• Abdominal pain
• Skin rashes or discolouration of fingers or toes

Health officials also reminded the public that “while the criteria for testing has changed during the pandemic, not everyone needs a test.” Specifically, COVID-19 testing is not recommended for people without symptoms.