Editor:
I write this letter as a question and as an alert to all of you about the health-care system’s complete overwhelming state where I live.
Ten days ago, after returning from regular business travel to Edmonton, I felt moderate symptoms that are relatable to the COVID-19 virus and because of my extensive business travel the week prior to Colombia, Toronto, Milwaukee and Vancouver, I began to recognize that I may have these barely noticeable symptoms and should seek medical advice.
Firstly though, I researched the proper numbers and agencies to call and report to and then attempted to make an appointment at a local clinic. Only one of the nine clinics I called in New Westminster or South Burnaby was able and prepared to take me as a patient, and each one of the clinics I called had a different message on what they thought was the right protocol/advice for me to do.
Finally, 32 hours later of calling and repeated messages, one clinic took me. That test I was administered is now 168 hours ago and my results are still not available.
The form I was given says results are 96 hours. The call line says results are 72 hours. The call center in the Fraser Valley for results is only open between 8:30-4:30 daily, Monday through Friday, and there is no room left on the automated voicemail system which is setup.
The 811 telephone number, never rings through as available. Can the leaders of our system please begin to take control of the gravity of this one failure and translates it to the millions?
I am dumbfounded by this, my family is dumbfounded by this, my employer is dumbfounded by this, and my friends across this great country and the world are disgusted by this inaction.
You must as diligent governing bodies act, in an immediate fashion, at solidifying a solution to this problem or a huge percentage of the health compromised and aged population will perish. We must get the tests completed immediately to stop the spread.
Fortunately, I am a healthy individual and live alone in my condominium here in New Westminster, and I can if I have to wait another full weekend for the results as I recognize the severity of my going in public anywhere if I am contagious.
So, I will wait for the public health nurse’s call for the positive or negative result.
Michael Ireland, New Westminster
