A LOSS or changed sense of taste or smell are to be added to the NHS coronavirus symptoms list, weeks after experts first raised concerns that COVID-19 cases are being missed.

In a statement the UK’s chief medical officers, Dr Frank Atherton (Wales), Dr Michael McBride (Northern Ireland), Dr Gregor Smith (Scotland) and Professor Chris Whitty (England) said: “From today, all individuals should self-isolate if they develop a new continuous cough or fever or anosmia.

“Anosmia is the loss or a change in your normal sense of smell. It can also affect your sense of taste as the two are closely linked.

“We have been closely monitoring the data and evidence on COVID-19 and after thorough consideration, we are now confident enough to recommend this new measure.”

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