Written question WQ83115

Whilst Covid is in circulation, people who are experiencing one or more of the three cardinal Covid symptoms (new persistent cough, fever and/or loss of taste or smell) are very likely to have Covid. In contrast, symptoms such as fatigue, myalgia (muscle ache or pain), a sore throat, a headache, a runny nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea are all very common and are just as likely to not be Covid related. This is particularly relevant as we head into the autumn and winter when a number of other viruses will be in circulation.

Local decisions can continue to be made to extend the offer of testing beyond the three cardinal Covid symptoms, as the offer can be targeted at particular communities or settings where Covid case incidence is high and is a useful way of helping to bring any incidents or outbreaks swiftly under control.

We need to strike the right balance to ensure people isolate and get tested when it’s appropriate but we do not want large numbers of people routinely isolating with very common symptoms as many would be isolating unnecessarily.