09 February 2021
The Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat MBE, has updated the list of COVID-19 symptoms.
Three new symptoms, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, and skin rashes have been added to the list of accompanying symptoms to align with the World Health Organisation’s list.
The updated accompanying symptoms list:
- headaches
- tiredness
- muscle ache
- sore throat
- gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting and diarrhoea) more common in children than adults
- nasal congestion
- conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes)
- different types of skin rash
The main symptoms of COVID-19 remain:
- High temperature/fever
- New continuous cough
- Loss or change to sense of smell and/or taste
If anyone shows at least one of the main symptoms, that person, and their entire household should isolate immediately and call the helpline. No one from the household should go to work, school, shopping or visit any public areas.
If anyone has developed one of the accompanying symptoms, but has none of the three main symptoms, and is concerned that it may be COVID-19, they should call the Coronavirus helpline for advice.
The Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat said: “We urge Islanders to remain vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms and to bear in mind that anyone who’s recently developed nasal congestion, conjunctivitis or skin rashes could have the virus, although it is rare for COVID to occur without one of the three main symptoms.
“We are aware that the three new accompanying symptoms are common in young children and may not indicative of COVID. However, if parents are concerned that their child has developed these new symptoms and do not seem themselves, they should discuss this with the COVID helpline.”
Islanders can call the helpline on freephone 0800 735 5566 for help and advice.
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