Experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19? In Ontario, you can't simply walk intoan assessment centreand be tested for the fast-spreading, deadly virus.

Not only could it overwhelm local health care resources if everyone did this at once, it could hasten the spread of disease amida global pandemic outbreak.

The province's first line of defence in this and all public health crises remains Telehealth Ontario — the free, confidential hotline that connects residents with Registered Nurses over the phone for advice on how to proceed with any sort of health ailment.

联合国fortunately, the service has becomeoverwhelmed this weekwith an influx of patients seeking assessments for the 2019 novel coronavirus, leading to dropped calls, "technical issues" and ridiculously long wait times.

#BREAKING: Telehealth is reporting technical issues with their Ontario line. Anyone trying to call them should instead contact their local public health unit. A statement adds they are working to resolve the issue.pic.twitter.com/s8Zn8QL95B

— CityNews Toronto (@CityNews)March 18, 2020

Our front-line phone troops have been needing back up, bad — andthey finally just got it in the form of 1,300 new linesand 130 additional health care professionals.

"Since yesterday, we've added another 1,300 Telehealth lines to significantly increase capacity and better support you in getting answers to your#COVID19questions,"announced Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliotton Thursday.

"Recognizing the increasing demand, we're working to add even more to further help reduce wait times."

Well-intentioned as the move may be, it doesn't appear to be helping much yet as call volumes continue to spike amidsta state of emergency in Ontario.

On hold with Telehealth Ontario for over 9 hours it finally cut off what are people suppose to do? I can’t just show up at the clinicspic.twitter.com/BNXmTVU1Hv

— David Christian (@davidnchristian)March 20, 2020

While anyone having difficultly breathing or experiencing other life-threatening symptomsshould call 911 immediately, most Ontario residents who suspect they may have been infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus are first asked totake an online self-assessmentthrough the provincial government's website.

Depending on the results of your assessment, you will be advised to either self-monitor your own health for 14 days or "seek clinical assessment for COVID-19 over the phone."

"The majority of COVID-19 illnesses are mild. A clinician can help guide whether you will require further care or potential testing in person," reads the government'sdedicated coronavirus website.

"Contact your primary care provider by phone for a virtual assessment (for example, family doctor). Let them know that you have used this self-assessment tool," states one potential option for those seeking further care.

The other, apparently far more popular option assessment-takers have is to "contact Telehealth Ontario at1-866-797-0000and speak with a registered nurse."

Here's to hoping this option becomes more viable in coming days with more lines and nurses at the ready.