B.C. health officials have expanded the province’s COVID-19 testing strategy to include anyone with a cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms, however mild.

However, officials still say not everyone needs a test, adding that the tests are not recommended for people without symptoms.

Across Interior Health, COVID-19 testing is done by appointment at one of 14 testing and assessment sites with locations in communities including Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Williams Lake, Revelstoke, Vernon, Penticton, and Kelowna.

“Anyone who needs a test should call their primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) or the closest Interior Health community testing and assessment centre directly to arrange a test,” said a statement from the IHA.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses including the flu and common cold, including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, painful swallowing, a stuffy or runny nose, loss of sense of smell, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and a loss of appetite.

IHA says more information, including the contact information for each of the testing centres and how you can get your results can be found online.

This announcement from Interior Health comes one week after Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, announced that anyone with COVID-19 symptoms in the province can now get tested.

Henry says the move comes as the province continues to evolve its testing strategy based on the changing situation in British Columbia.