BC’s Health Minister is encouraging people to call 811 if they have any health concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic.

That’s as Adrian Dix says there has been a steep increase in the number of calls to 811, from the previous average of around 1,200 calls a day.

“It’s now over 4,000 calls a day, and we were adding new resources to 811 in order to help address those questions, which is one of the main ways that people can get in touch with the health care system and get advice,” he said on Wednesday afternoon.

Dix says those resources includes a new call centre to deal with queries not related to the coronavirus, noting the two existing call centres in B.C. will continue to focus on COVID-19 queries.

And he says the province is also increasing the number of nurses that staff the line, especially at peak times.

“We’re asking everyone who needs support, especially with respiratory conditions to contact us through 811 or through their Primary Care provider and that its important that when they come in to be tested, the healthcare workers are protected, and they are protected, and the public is protected from transmission,” he added.

Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry says while the nurses on the line won’t be able to diagnose people with the coronavirus, they’ll be able to given them essential information.

“If you have symptoms, self-isolate, obviously, and call 811,” she added. “They can tell you if you’re at risk or not. That’s how we manage it.”

811 is a free provincial health information and advice phone line operated by HealthLink BC.