The province has announced that there will be a new active phone number for British Columbians to call for information on COVID-19.
Amid the current outbreak of coronavirus, huge call volumes into the current provincial health information line available at 8-1-1 are causing massive delays and phone wait times.
This has sparked the province to announce this morning a new number dedicated specifically for COVID-19 concerns.
As of March 16, people can call 1-888-COVID-19 or text 604-630-0300 for details, advice, and further information on the virus.
“In an effort to help 8-1-1 health care professionals to support more people who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who require assistance with other health issues, the province has created a dedicated phone service to provide British Columbians with information.” said Adrian Dix at a press conference earlier Monday. “Information is available in more than 110 languages.”
The new number coincides with the announcement that 30 more cases have been confirmed in British Columbia, including seven cases on the Island. Dix, along with provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, also unveiled there had been three more confirmed deaths from coronavirus in BC.
Victoria has opened up a screening clinic along Cook Street in order to help administer test kits to those experiencing concerns over the virus.
Also, additional details were released today from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Canada’s latest response to combating the COVID-19. Those measures include closing the Canadian border to any non-permanent residents, disallowing entry of anyone that is showing symptoms of COVID-19, and limiting international flights to arrive at only four airports: Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto. There are some exceptions for international flights including those inbound from the US and Mexico.
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