B.C. 'soft-launches' coronavirus self-assessment tool

The Ministry of Health has quietly launched a COVID-19 symptom self-assessment tool to helppeople determine whetherthey need a test for the coronavirus.

The online tool at https://covid19.thrive.health/poses a series of questions about symptomsand offers advice aboutwhat todo next including making a call to the 811 health line or continuingtoself-monitor for symptoms.

Some people have been raising concerns about hours-long delays to ask a medical questions to a registered nurse at 811. This tool is expected to take some pressure off that service.

Provincial health officerDr. Bonnie Henry said the website is way for people to assess if they need further information,testing, medical care or should stay home to self-isolate.

Peoplewith mild respiratory symptoms that can be handled at home, including returning travellers,are asked to self-isolate at home for 14 days.

"It had a soft-launch last [Monday and]close to half a million people have looked at it already, so that's great. That gives you some advice on what to do and some reassurance so you know ...what are the warning signs that you need to think about and who does and who doesn't need to be tested."

The Ministry of Health saysthose who need to be tested for COVID-19 include people with respiratory symptoms who are hospitalized, or likely to be hospitalized, health-care workers, residents in long-term care facilities or who are part of an outbreakinvestigation.

B.C.'s Health Minister Adrian Dix said more testing is being done at five sites across the province.

"We have seen a dramatic increase in testing, a doubling and then some of the total amount of testing in British Columbia," said Dix.

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