A new coronavirus called COVID-19 has caused an outbreak of respiratory infections. The symptoms of COVID-19, which can include dry cough, fever, sore throat and headache, are similar to other respiratory infections, including influenza. The number of cases worldwide is changing quickly. There are confirmed cases of COVID-19 in B.C. and Canada; however, all efforts remain focused on containing the spread of the virus. For the latest information on COVID-19, including the number of confirmed cases and links to information for travellers, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control. You can also follow them on Twitter for real-time updates.
Regular operations of many Interior Health programs, services and sites are impacted by COVID-19. Please call ahead if you are unsure about a previously scheduled appointment. Visit Find Us on interiorhealth.ca for locations and regular operating hours.
HealthLinkBC / 811 if you have symptoms
Call 1-888-COVID19 (268-4319) if you would like more information
BC Centre for Disease Control
BC Ministry of Health
Government of Canada’s travel advice
COVID-19 self-assessment tool
The Public Health Agency of Canada or through their telephone information line at: 1-833-784-4397
Interior Health Updates April 1: COVID-19 Stakeholder UpdateMarch 31: Outbreak of COVID-19 at West Kelowna Agricultural Business March 30: Interior Health temporarily suspends pay parkingMarch 30: Elkford Emergency Department service change March 24: COVID-19 Stakeholder UpdateMarch 23: Essential visit restrictions in effect at all Interior Health sitesMarch 21: Changes to protect seniors receiving care March…
Local and regional, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal governments, and community organizations have an important role to play in informing and protecting their communities. The Healthy Communities team is focused on supporting local governments and communities. Email us to start a conversation. Please help us share trusted information with our communities by linking your community's web page to…
We need every British Columbian to participate in preventing the spread of this virus. Everyone plays a part. If you have symptoms of COVID-19: fever, new cough, and difficulty breathing – you should immediately self-isolate for 14 days and limit your contact with others. Check out the symptom self-assessment tool for help determining if you…
To support testing of people who meet specific criteria, new testing guidelines from the BCCDC limit testing to people with symptoms who are: Hospitalized or are likely to be hospitalized Health-care workers Residents of long term care facilities Part of an investigation of a cluster or outbreak Process for testing for COVID-19 Interior Health is…
The Ministry of Health has provided guidance to retail food and grocery stores operating during COVID-19 Kindergarten to grade 12 schools are suspended indefinitely. Planning is underway to provide ongoing education even while classes are suspended.Every student will receive a final mark.A decision on when and how to return will be made in partnership with…
The Government of Canada supports First Nations communities in preparing for, monitoring and responding to communicable disease emergencies, including the new coronavirus called COVID-19. For more information, visit their website on how First Nations and Metis communities can prepare, monitor and respond to COVID-19. Helpful resources and information First Nations Health Authority COVID-19 response Metis…
I need to visit an IH location. Are your hours affected by COVID-19? Regular operations of many Interior Health programs, services and sites are impacted by COVID-19. Please call ahead if you are unsure about a previously scheduled appointment. Visit Find Us on interiorhealth.ca for locations and regular operating hours. I've recently returned to Canada.…
BCCDC information and clinical bulletins IH Medical Health Officer alerts New clinical guidance from the B.C. Ministry of Health to reduce risk for people during dual health emergencies IH clinical algorithms for hospital and community settings: Approach to Suspected COVID-19 Cases presenting to IH Acute care facilitiesApproach to suspect COVID-19 cases presenting in a community…
Canadians travelling should return home now. Effective March 16, only Canadians and permanent residents, as well as U.S. citizens, will be allowed to enter Canada. If you have traveled outside Canada, you must self-isolate for 14 days after you return. Stay away from work, school and the community. Please stay at home. Airlines are screening…
Here are some resources that you might find helpful to have and to share. Infographics About COVID-19: symptoms, spread, prevention, self-assessmentTesting and self-isolationEssential visitorsHow to practice social distancingTips for talking to kidsManaging your anxietyHow to talk to your friends Social media graphics About COVID-19: symptoms, spread, prevention, self-assessment: Facebook, Twitter, InstagramCOVID-19 social distancing: Facebook, Twitter,…
Visitors to long-term care Interior Health, along with all other B.C. regional health authorities, is restricting visitors in long-term care to essential visits only. To keep our residents, families and staff safe, and in keeping with the provincial health officer’s directions, only essential visitors - immediate family members and spiritual advisor for a person who…
Government, health authorities, and people just like you are doing everything possible to slow the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, some of us will get the virus. It's important to remember that most people who become infected will have mild symptoms that will not require care outside the home. Here are some helpful resources on taking…
The Government of Canada has requested all Canadians to be at home if possible. Employers are requested to support this by assisting employees to work remotely. Advice from the World Health Organization on getting your workplace ready for COVID-19Recommendations on hygiene, flexible work arrangements, sick leave, business travel and closure Frequently Asked Questions What precautions…
At this time, the B.C. Chief Medical Health Officer and the Minister of Health are recommending that any events or large gatherings of more than 50 people should be cancelled, including faith-based events. Should I attend large gatherings? All event organizers are asked to cancel any gathering larger than 50 people. This includes indoor and…
Our teams are working closely with the Ministry of Health, the BC Centre for Disease Control and other health system partners. We have plans in place for how to respond to cases in our communities and at our sites, and we have been taking all recommended precautions at Interior Health facilities. We are sharing information…
Every Person Matters is a saying we have here at Interior Health. And we take it pretty seriously. Although we don’t provide health-care services to animals, we do care for a lot of animal lovers, and we realize that many of the people in our health region have questions about COVID-19 and pets. To help…