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COVID-19 testing and treatments

Publication date: November 4, 2025

Testing can determine how likely you are to have COVID-19. There are 2 approved treatments to help prevent severe illness from COVID-19 for people who are at higher risk.

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COVID-19 testing

Rapid antigen tests

Rapid antigen tests can be used at home for people with COVID-19 symptoms.

Test kits are available free of charge at some community pharmacies. Once the existing supply of free tests runs out, some pharmacies may offer them for you to purchase.

Find rapid test kits at a pharmacy

How to use a rapid antigen test at home

Each kit comes with instructions on how to use the tests. You can also ask the pharmacist if you have questions. 

For more information visit the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) Rapid Antigen Testing page.

Treatments for people who have COVID-19

If you are immune compromised and have a higher risk of serious illness, there are two approved therapeutic treatments for COVID-19 available in B.C.:

  • Paxlovid (Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) is a course of antiviral pills that can be taken at home, which should be taken within 5 days since the start of symptoms
  • Remdesivir must be given through a vein and requires visits to a clinic or hospital, which should start within 7 days since the start of symptoms

These treatments help prevent symptoms of COVID-19 from getting worse and reduce the risk of severe illness.

For safety reasons, these treatments must be prescribed by a health care provider. 

Visit the BCCDC’s COVID-19 treatments webpage for more information.

Who can benefit from treatment

Treatments may be beneficial if you have mild or moderate symptoms and you have tested positive. 

Paxlovid may be recommended if you are: 

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Severely or moderately immunocompromised

Examples include:

  • Solid organ transplant
  • Bone marrow or stem cell transplant
  • Cancer treatment for solid tumors
  • Advanced or untreated HIV
  • Receiving treatments for autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis
  • Receiving moderate immunosuppressive agents
  • Undergoing treatments for hematological malignancy
 

Over 60 with high-risk conditions

Examples include:

  • End-stage kidney disease or on dialysis
  • Severe or end-stage lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis or are on home oxygen
  • Diabetes treated with insulin
  • Neurological conditions requiring breathing assistance
  • Significant intellectual or developmental disabilities
  • Rare blood and genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease

How to get treatment

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and believe you would benefit from treatment, contact your family doctor, nurse practitioner or specialist as soon as possible. You aren't guaranteed treatment. 

Paxlovid and remdesivir treatments are not suitable for everyone and must be prescribed by a health care provider. At any stage, it may be decided that these treatments are not right for you.

B.C. residents must be enrolled in Medical Services Plan (MSP) to get PharmaCare coverage for Paxlovid. Find more information on Paxlovid for B.C. residents.

Don't have a family doctor?

If you don't have a family doctor, nurse practitioner or specialist, or can't get an appointment within 3 days of symptoms starting, you can call 8-1-1. 

Recovering at home

Most people with COVID-19 will recover on their own. Learn more about managing your symptoms at home.

Go to an urgent and primary care centre, emergency department or call 9-1-1 if you:

  • Find it hard to breathe
  • Have chest pain
  • Can’t drink anything
  • Feel very sick
  • Feel confused

I need help

Call: 8-1-1 Translators are available 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week