Northern Health is asking people to try other options first before turning to its COVD-19 hotline.
It said the online COVID-19 clinic and information line has seen a significant uptick in calls in recent weeks, leading to an increase in wait times for assessments and information.
"We are working to increase the size of the Clinic staffing pool, in order to increase call capacity and hours of operation, and to reduce current wait times for assessment," Northern Health said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon.
In the meantime, Northern Health is encouraging people who have a primary care provider, to contact their family doctor or nurse practitioner as a first step for assessment for testing, whenever possible.
They can also turn to the Ministry of Health's online self-assessment tool, if they are unsure whether to seek medical care or get tested.
Callers looking for general COVID-19 health information are encouraged to visit the Northern Health and BC Centre for Disease Control websites, for answers to their questions.
Northern Health is also asking people to refrain from going to a testing centre without an assessment and referral-appointment.
"This is for the protection of staff and other patients at COVID-19 test collection centres, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19," Northern Health said. "We recognize that waits for testing and results can be frustrating, but it is very important to stay away from others when you may be infectious to others."
Following a test, there are a number of ways to get negative results including online, by phone, or by text. Visit the BCCDC web page on Test Results, for more information.
The NH Online Clinic and Info Line is staffed by a pool of NH staff, nurses, physicians and nurse practitioners.
Current hours of operation are10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays.
