The BC Ministry of Health has developed a new assessment tool for people who aren't sure if they require further testing or assessment for COVID-19.
Launched on Monday, March 16, the free online tool may be completed for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to.
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
Anyone who has symptoms - including a fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, or difficulty breathing - is urged to self-isolate for 14 days.
The tool also includes a list of severe symptoms. These symptoms include severe difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, having a very hard time waking up, feeling confused, and losing consciousness. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should call 9-1-1 immediately, or go directly to their nearest emergency department.
To protect yourself while out in public, wash your hands frequently and maintain a distance of about 2 metres from others. For more information on COVID-19, refer to HealthLink BC's COVID-19 website.
As of March 16, there were a total 103 cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in B.C., after health officials announced 30 new cases. There have also been three more deaths, bringing the total number of fatalities to four.
Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reported new cases in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region, Fraser Health region, Vancouver Island Health and in the Interior Health region. She notes that more cases could come in the following days as more people continue to be tested.