Information for health care workers about when to seek testing for COVID-19, where to go, and what to do next
As a Fraser Health staff or medical staff member, you only need to be tested if you have respiratory symptoms unless you have been specifically instructed by Population Public Health/Workplace Health.
These symptoms may include new onset fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, loss of sense of smell, loss of appetite, chills, headache, fatigue, and myalgia.
If you develop these symptoms, contact an assessment centre to book an appointment as soon as possible. Let the assessment/collection centre know that you are a health care worker.
- Collection centre finder (Mobile and desktop)
- Collection centre finder for Internet Explorer users
You do not need to be tested if you do not have symptoms.
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I am showing respiratory symptoms at work. What do I do next?
If you develop respiratory symptoms at work, tell your supervisor immediately, and then go home and self-isolate and call employee absence reporting line (EARL) 1-877-342-3275.
Contact an assessment centre to book an appointment to get testing for COVID-19 as soon as possible. Let the assessment centre know that you are a health care worker.
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What do I do if I develop respiratory symptoms while at home?
If you are off work, please self-isolate and contact the assessment centre as soon as possible to book an appointment. Let the assessment centre know that you are a health care worker.
If you are going to miss a shift at work, call EARL.
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I may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Do I need to be tested?
You do not need to be tested if you are not symptomatic unless you have been instructed by public health.
You may also refer to BCCDC detailed guidance on exposure risk assessment for further actions depending on the type of exposure with someone who is COVID-19 positive.
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Where can I get tested?
If you are showing respiratory symptoms – contact an assessment centre of your choice to book an appointment as soon as possible.
Let them know that you are a health care worker when you contact the site.
Community Assessment Centres
Contact information
Location
Hours of operations
Virtual option (Y/N)
Surrey
Health care workers:
236-332-6497Public:
604-572-2610Surrey Whalley Urgent Primary Care Centre
Unit G2 - 9639 137A Street
10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
7 days a weekN
Maple Ridge
Phone:
604-476-7890Maple Ridge Urgent and Primary Care Centre
153 – 11762 Laity Street
9:00 a.m. - 08:00 p.m.
7 days a weekY
Chilliwack
Phone:
604-702-4928Fax:
604-702-4801Chilliwack Public Health Building
45470 Menholm Rd
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.N
Langley
Phone:
604-539-439220651 56th Avenue, Langley
(Located at the intersection of Logan Avenue and 56th Avenue)8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
7 days a weekY
Burnaby
Burnaby COVID Response
Central Park at Boundary Road and 46th Avenue
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
7 days a weekY
Abbotsford
Abbotsford COVID Response
Phone:
(604) 870-3325Abbotsford Urgent and Primary Care Centre
#100 - 2692 Clearbrook RoadMonday to Sunday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Y
Mission
Mission COVID Response
Phone screening:
604-302-7885Mission Memorial Hospital Campus
7324 Hurd StreetMonday to Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.N
Peace Arch Hospital
Phone:
604-542-4057Peace Arch Hospital Cafeteria
15521 Russell Avenue
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.Y
Delta
Phone:
604-786-04524470 Clarence Taylor Crescent, Ladner
Monday to Saturday
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.N
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What happens at the assessment centre?
After you contact the assessment centre (either by phone or email, depending upon the site), they will give you an appointment time and instructions for when you arrive. You need to let them know that you are a health care worker.
At most sites, you remain in your car while they ask you some questions. The swabbing is done while you are in your car. They will ask you questions and provide you with handouts about self-isolation.
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Do I need to contact my physician to be tested?
You do not need a physician order to be tested at the assessment centres as long as you have respiratory symptoms.
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What are my next steps while waiting for my test result?
Self-isolate at home and self-monitor for symptoms while you are awaiting your test results.
At the assessment centre, they will have provided you with information about self-isolating. Please see this link to the handout you may have been provided: Self-isolation Instructions for Health Care and Essential Workers Tested for COVID-19. You can also get this information from our page on self-isolation information for staff and medical staff.
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How long does it take to get test results? Where can I access them?
Please visit the BCCDC Test Results page on information on how long test results will take, and how to access them.
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How can staff and medical staff know if they have been exposed to COVID-19?
Anyone, including staff and medical staff, with symptoms of COVID-19 should get tested at an assessment centre.
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses including the flu and common cold. They include:
- Fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath and sore throat.
- Other symptoms may include: Painful swallowing, stuffy or runny nose, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Sometimes people with COVID-19 have mild illness, but their symptoms may suddenly worsen in a few days. People infected with COVID-19 may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting a few days after the onset of the above symptoms. If you only have gastrointestinal symptoms you may not have COVID-19.
If you have these symptoms, contact an assessment centre to get tested as soon as possible and let them know that you are a health care worker.
If you are asymptomatic, you do not need to be tested. Public Health will contact staff and medical staff who have been exposed to COVID-19 as part of contract tracing and will provide those people with further instructions.