When was the official list of COVID-19 symptoms last updated in Wales, and are there plans to update so that we are more in-line with other countries according to the latest scientific evidence?
The Welsh Government is advised by the four UK Chief Medical Officers on this issue and their advice is the three main symptoms of high temperature; new, continuous cough; and loss of/change to sense of smell and/or taste are the cardinal symptoms common to all strains of Covid-19. The case definition was last discussed and agreed by the four UK CMOs on 5 August 2021, and they concluded that, as these cardinal symptoms remain the most effective at predicting whether an individual has Covid-19, the case definition should remain unchanged. For this reason, the Welsh Government only lists the cardinal symptoms, and recommends that people should call 111 or use the online symptom checker if they are in any doubt as to whether their symptoms are indicative of Covid-19.
The UK CMOs acknowledged there were wider symptoms and agreed it should be easier for people to access a PCR test outside of the current case definition. The UK Government has since amended the online test booking system to allow people to order a PCR test if they have other symptoms and are concerned they might have Covid-19.
Local health boards in Wales have the authority to offer, and have been offering, testing for a wider range of symptoms under the advice and guidance of public health specialists where they consider this necessary.