The Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) is asking people to refrain from calling their COVID-19 testing line without first checking if they require testing.
In a statement to Victoria Buzz on Wednesday afternoon, Island Health says approximately 30 per cent of calls made to the 1-844-901-8442 COVID-19 test booking line are from people who do not need to get tested as per BCCDC guidelines.
Over the past two weeks, VIHA’s call centre has been experiencing a surge in demand and responding to around 500 calls per day.
The 1-844 line began experiencing difficulties last week as many reported wait times longer than 90 minutes and dropped calls.
While calls are no longer being dropped as that issue has been resolved, a consistent increase in the number of calls means some people are now hearing an automated recording and are unable to get through to book a testing appointment.
Island Health are currently in the process of hiring and training an additional 45 employees to man the lines, and within the next few weeks should be able to field about 1,000 calls per day.
However a spokesperson for VIHA says people who do not have symptoms or may not need testing should call their primary care provider or the province-wide 8-1-1 number.
“We recognize the importance of early detection and follow up in preventing transmission of COVID-19 and are working as quickly as possible to decrease the wait times,” reads the statement from Island Health.
“Once an appointment is booked, the vast majority of people are booked for a test within 48 hours. COVID testing within Island Health operates on an appointment model so that people do not have to spend a long time waiting at the testing centre.”
Residents are also encouraged to complete the B.C. self assessment tool to determine whether they need to book an appointment for testing before calling VIHA.
