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VCH opens new COVID-19 testing site in Vancouver

An additional assessment centre in North Vancouver is expected to open in the next couple of weeks and operating hours in Richmond and other locations will increase.
Elana Shepert
Elana Shepert
covid-19-swab-test-positive
Photo: Tube containing a swab sample that has tested positive for COVID-19/Shutterstock

As the number of COVID-19 cases rapidly increases in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Coastal Health has opened a new testing site in Vancouver.

In a release, VCH says that it is increasing capacity to assess and test people for COVID-19. As of Aug. 18, a new testing site is open in the city to provide increased screening and testing for the virus. 

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 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It can accommodate both walk-in and drive-through clients.

COVID-testing-assessment-centrePhoto: Vancouver Coastal Health

An additional assessment centre in North Vancouver is expected to open in the next couple of weeks and operating hours in Richmond and other locations will increase. For current site locations and hours, please refer to the collection site locator on the BC Centre for Disease Control website.

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. 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

While less common, symptoms can also include:

  • Stuffy nose

  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

  • Dizziness, confusion

  • Abdominal pain

  • Skin rashes or discoloration of fingers or toes.

While the criteria for testing has changed during the pandemic, not everyone needs a test. COVID-19 testing is not recommended for people without symptoms. You can use the BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool to help determine if you need further assessment for COVID-19 testing by a healthcare provider or at a local collection centre. You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to.

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. VCH continues to monitor cases throughout our region. While there can be cases anywhere in B.C., if we follow the public health guidance and all continue working together, we will be better prepared. For more information on COVID-19 and testing, please visit HERE.