The Comox Valley Division of Family Practice has submitted the following public service announcement, updating important information to patients regarding COVID-19 testing, and general health appointments.
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As COVID-19 continues to be a concern across the province and Island, the Comox Valley Division of Family Practice and Island Health would like to reassure members of the Comox Valley that we are working together to provide the necessary services to support you to have access to the health care that you need.
Seeing a doctor:
Your doctor’s office is open as it’s always been, including the availability to book face-to-face care (i.e. for a physical examination) as per your clinic’s protocol (most clinics operate a “virtual care first” policy).
Walk-in clinics remain open - again call ahead for service - Washington Park (at Superstore): 250-334-9421. Comox Valley Medical (walk-in) Clinic (at Walmart): 250-334-1512.
If you are unclear what healthcare you need, if you want to get more guidance on COVID, and especially out of hours, try HealthLink. Dial 811 or go to https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/
COVID-19 testing:
Island Health is providing testing services by appointment at the testing site which has recently moved and is now being housed at ICBC. The Island Health COVID-19 Testing Call Centre is available for individuals with symptoms of COVID-19. You will be asked to leave a callback number. Please have your personal health number available when your call is returned. 1-844-901-8442
Call Centre hours of operation: Monday-Sunday, 8:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
For further information on testing, including types of tests available, please visit https://bit.ly/366poNo
Assessment centre:
Community members with COVID-like symptoms or confirmed COVID that require a face-to-face physician assessment will be referred by their doctor or nurse practitioner to the Assessment Clinic that has recently moved and is being housed at ICBC. The Assessment Clinic is open thre days a week.
Emergency care:
If you require Emergency care the Emergency Department at Comox Valley Hospital is open and all required COVID-19 infection control practices are in place. If you’re unclear when it’s appropriate to go to the Emergency, visit the Island Health website for information: https://bit.ly/2MhSG4E
Indigenous Health Services:
First Nations Health Authority – Doctor of the Day: https://bit.ly/3iIdpKX
KDC Health On-Reserve Health Care Services: http://www.kdchealth.com/health-services
Metis Nation British Columbia – Courtenay/Comox: https://bit.ly/39UYMjA
Wachiay Friendship Centre: https://www.wachiay.org/
Vaccinations:
Limited supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine have arrived in Island Health and will continue to arrive regularly in increasing quantities. The vaccination effort is unrolling quickly we will share more information as soon as it becomes available. Public health will arrange for priority groups to be vaccinated against COVID-19. No action is required on your part.
Island Health is not booking COVID-19 immunization appointments for the general public at this time. Everyone in B.C. for whom the vaccine is recommended will have the opportunity to be vaccinated for free by the end of 2021. For more information on Island Health’s vaccination roll out plan visit https://bit.ly/2KH7ysO
For further information on recent Public Health orders and COVID-19 please refer to https://bit.ly/3odBquH
Please contact Comox Valley Division of Family Practice at comoxvalley@divisionsbc.ca if you have any questions.