Gary Lineker self-isolates after son displays coronavirus symptoms: 'I've been vigilant'
Gary Lineker has revealed that he is currently in self-isolation due to one of his sons experiencing symptoms of the coronavirus.
The father-of-four disclosed via his Twitter account that he had turned to isolation after son George spent time in his house in the time when he had experienced symptoms.
The 59-year-old wrote: "In self isolation as @GeorgeLineker has symptoms. They’re not the regular ones, but complete loss of sense of taste and smell.
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"Odd these have not been pointed out much. Been nearly a week and has spent time at mine. I’ve been vigilant, hand washing/distancing but isolation it is."
In self isolation as @GeorgeLineker has symptoms. They’re not the regular ones, but complete loss of sense of taste and smell. Odd these have not been pointed out much. Been nearly a week and has spent time at mine. I’ve been vigilant, hand washing/distancing but isolation it is.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) March 23, 2020
In a follow-up tweet, the former footballer shared that he had "checked with a doctor" before posting the health information.
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Last week, one of the UK's leading Ear, Nose and Throat consultants told Sky News that a lost of smell or taste could be new symptoms of the coronavirus.
The British Association of Otorhinolaryngology also said in a statement: "Evidence from other countries that the entry point for the coronavirus is often in the eyes, nose and throat areas.
"We have also identified a new symptom (loss of sense of smell and taste) that may mean that people without other symptoms but with just the loss of this sense may have to self-isolate - again to reduce the spread of the virus."
At present, guidelines from Public Health England state that the two symptoms to prompt self-isolation are a high temperature and a new, continuous cough.
Lineker is one of a number of famous faces self-isolating, as Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid and The One Show's Matt Baker are also among those staying put at home.
Baker and Reid have subsequently not been able to make it into the studios for their respective shows, however, both have appeared via live video to give updates on their situations.
