NORTHWICH residents are being encouraged to book a coronavirus test if they have one of a number of symptoms named on a new list.

As reported last week, Cheshire West and Chester Council chiefs are keen to see residents book Covid-19 tests if they have symptoms other than the usual three of a fever, new continuous cough or loss of sense or smell.

Now, the council has published a new list of symptoms to look out for, other than the main three for coronavirus.

These are shortness of breath, muscle or body aches, fatigue, sore throat, headache, nasal congestion or runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting.

However, while CWAC says residents should book a test for these symptoms, they are common for non-coronavirus patients and most people who have them will not have Covid-19.

Ian Ashworth, director of public health at CWAC, 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.”

CWAC says it is following leading international clinical authorities, which have found that many people who have Covid-19 display symptoms which are different from fever, new continuous cough, and loss or change in sense of taste or smell.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, the World Health Organization, the UK SIREN study and the Office of National Statistics Coronavirus Infection Survey have identified a range of additional symptoms of Covid-19 infection, including those listed above.

Cllr Louise Gittins, CWAC leader, 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.”

If you have a cough, fever or loss of taste or smell, book a Covid-19 test by calling 119 or visit nhs.uk/coronavirus and self-isolate immediately.

If you have one of the other symptoms named by CWAC, book a test and choose the option that the local council has asked you to get a test, but you do not need to self-isolate unless you test positive for cornoavirus.

Anyone who has to leave home to work or look after someone can access asymptomatic testing at Winsford Lifestyle Centre by visiting cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk to book a test.