Lancashire residents told to get a Covid-19 test if they have a runny nose

A greater range of coronavirus symptoms have been discovered as the new variant spreads across the UK, with health officials urging those in the North West to get tested for coronavirus as soon as possible.

The director of public health and wellbeing at Lancashire County Council, Dr Sakthi Karunanthini, has urged those in Preston or West Lancashire to get a Covid test if they are feeling under the weather. The classic symptoms of a fever, loss of taste or smell, and a cough are no longer the only symptoms of Covid-19 or the new variant.

The new symptoms include: a persistent headache, diarrhoea, fever and chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, and vomiting.

Lancashire County Council said that there is no evidence that currently suggests the new mutation alone causes more severe illness or is more transmissible that the original virus. However, the Council has urged people to abide by lockdown rules and maintain the steps known as “hands, face, space.”

Lancaster University is continuing to provide free coronavirus testing for all students in the Great Hall. If anyone is experiencing the above symptoms, it has been highly advised by Lancashire County Council to be tested as soon as possible and to self-isolate until the results come back as negative.

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