18 May 2020

FODO Member alert – New self-isolation advice for Covid-19 and opportunity for GOC registrants

New case definition of Covid-19 

The UK Chief Medical Officers have now added anosmia to the list of reasons people should self-isolate. 

Anosmia is the loss of or a change in your normal sense of smell. It can also affect your sense of taste as the two are closely linked. 

Adding it to the list means that from today:

• Individuals will need to self-isolate immediately if they develop a new continuous cough or fever or a loss or changed sense of normal smell or taste (anosmia)
• All members of their household must also self-isolate according to current guidelines, unless the symptomatic individual receives a negative test result. 

Please note:

• ENT UK had previously raised concerns about the increased incidence of anosmia in Covid-19 patients earlier in the pandemic. This why in Annexe 1 (page 25) of our framework for primary eye care providers, published yesterday, advises members to keep up to date with the case definition of Covid-19. We will update Annexe 1 shortly to reflect today's news.
• NHS websites are not yet reflecting the loss of normal smell or taste as a reason to self-isolate. 

Opportunity for GOC registrants

GOC registrants can now register an interest to join the virtual frontline as contact caseworkers. 

This will involve using clinical skills to help support the NHS while working from home.

Places are likely to be limited, so if you are interested register an interest as soon as possible. 

You can learn more by vising the NHS Professionals website. This includes the job description, FAQs and more detailed information. You can also register your interest on the same page. Learn more.