Coronavirus: Gary Lineker in self-isolation after son George shows symptoms

Former England captain revealed his eldest son has lost his sense of taste and smell and questioned why there is not more advice on the symptoms that coronavirus sufferers have reported

Former England captain and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker is in self-isolation after his son developed symptoms of coronavirus.

The 59-year-old says he is “being vigilant” after his eldest son George, 28, lost his sense of taste and smell, which have been reported as possible side-effects of contracting Covid-19.

Sunday’s latest figures show that at least 281 people have died in the UK due to the outbreak of coronavirus, with the government stressing the importance of social distancing in an effort to reduce the impact that will be seen over the next few weeks as the worst of the pandemic is expected to hit.

As a result, Lineker has been keeping himself isolated from others after seeing son George last week, and he also questioned why their has not been more advice on these symptoms, with the National Health Service highlighting a new continuous cough and a temperature as the main signs of the virus.

“In self isolation as @GeorgeLineker has symptoms,” Lineker said on Twitter. “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.”

Lineker returned to screens at the weekend for Match of the Day's new-look show that saw the ex-Leicester City and Tottenham striker joined by Alan Shearer and Ian Wright to name their top-10 captains of the Premier League era, with a weekly plan to discuss a different countdown each Saturday night.

The pre-recorded episode was filmed before Lineker entered self-isolation, but leaves doubt over whether this weekend’s Match of the Day can be filmed with him included, meaning a replacement may now be required to present the show.