The analysis looked at swab tests taken between November 15, 2020 and January 16, 2021, when the highest percentage of positive tests associated with the new variant were seen in London and the south east of England.

When a COVID-19 test is carried out, swabs are tested for three genes present in the coronavirus: N protein, S protein and ORF1ab. According to the ONS, absence of the S-gene in these tests appears to have become a reliable indicator of the new UK variant.

People testing positive were asked about the symptoms theyd experienced. The analysis found that loss of taste and loss of smell were significantly less common in new-variant compatible positive tests.

Other symptoms, however, were more commonly associated with this variant, with the largest differences noted for cough, sore throat, fatigue, myalgia (muscle pain) and fever, as well as a small increase in headaches.

There was no evidence of any difference in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms (such as sickness and diarrhea), shortness of breath or abdominal pain.