THE LOSS of smell and taste have been added to the UK's list of coronavirus symptoms that people should look out for.

Until now, only a fever and cough were triggers for people to shut themselves away in self-isolation but it has been said before that more symptoms should be included.

Scientific advisors have urged the Government to update the advice as more information comes to light.

Chief Medical Officer for Wales Dr Frank Atherton, along with CMO for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride, CMO for Scotland, Dr Gregor Smith and CMO for England Prof Chris Whitty provided an updated statement on coronavirus symptoms.

This now included the loss of smell and taste.

They 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 emerging data and evidence on COVID-19 and after thorough consideration, we are now confident enough to recommend this new measure.

“The individual’s household should also self-isolate for 14 days as per the current guidelines and the individual should stay at home for 7 days, or longer if they still have symptoms other than cough or loss of sense of smell or taste.”