Loss of smell is a recognised symptom of COVID-19 in the UK. However, it was only added to the official list of symptoms on 18 May, a full month after the WHO recognised it as a symptom.

Before this time, any member of NHS staff reporting a loss of smell — especially in the absence of other symptoms — would not have been advised to self-isolate.

As the pandemic hit its peak in April, more than 3000 people were being admitted to UK hospitals a day. This meant many NHS staff were at risk, and given some of the problems that were faced with personal protective equipment, those who did develop symptoms needed to self-isolate.

Survey of NHS staff