RESIDENTS in Cheshire West and Chester are being advised to book a Covid-19 test if they display a wider range of symptoms than the main three.

These include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose
  • Diarrhoea
  • Nausea or vomiting

Cheshire West and Chester Council says it is taking an extended approach to testing following acknowledgement by leading international clinical authorities that many people who have a the infection display symptoms which are different from the main three – fever, new continuous cough, and loss or change in sense of taste or smell.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK SIREN study and the Office of National Statistics (ONS) Coronavirus (Covid-19) Infection Survey have identified the range of additional symptoms of the infection.

However, the council says it is also important to remember that these are very common symptoms, and most people who have them will not have Covid-19.

Getting a test is a precautionary measure to stop the potential spread of the virus.

Ian Ashworth, director of public health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Residents are encouraged to access testing at a Local Testing Site or Mobile Testing Unit if they display any of these additional symptoms.

“This is in line with approaches adopted by other councils in the north west in recent weeks, which are all working to address the rise in new variants of the virus and enhancing efforts to tackle this pandemic.

"It will maximise the use of symptomatic testing centres to protect the health of the borough’s residents.”

Council leader Louise Gittins added: "Getting a test if you have one of the wider range of symptoms is not a cause for alarm – it is simply a precautionary measure to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

“It’s another really important way we can all play our part in the fight against this virus.”

  1. Anyone with one of the three main symptoms – a new and continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in your sense of smell or taste – should self-isolate immediately and book a test at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling: 119.
  2. Anyone displaying the additional symptoms should also consider booking a test. If you only have these symptoms, you do not need to self-isolate unless you test positive for Covid-19.
  3. If you do not have symptoms but do have to go out of your home to work or look after someone, you can access rapid and regular Covid-19 testing at an asymptomatic testing site. Visit cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk and click on Covid-19 testing for more information.