Actress Rachel Matthews, best known for her roles in “Frozen II” and “Happy Death Day,” also tested positive for the coronavirus. In an Instagram story, Matthews said on day four of the infection, though her symptoms became milder, she “randomly” lost her sense of smell and taste.

In ENT UK’s statement, Dr. Hopkins said that it’s not necessarily surprising COVID-19 would cause a sudden loss of smell for patients. Other forms of the coronavirus, such as those that cause the common cold, lead to an estimated 10-15% of anosmia cases after infection. Hopkins said about 200 other viruses cause the same symptom and are a leading cause of a sudden loss of smell in adults. Judy Stone, an infectious disease specialist, wrote for Forbes that you can test your sense of smell and taste at home with household items. For smell, try citrus, strong-smelling soap or cleaning supplies. For taste, try things that are usually sweet, salty, sour or bitter.

Twitter, thank you for the advice though I don’t remember who gave it. Sweet cereal tastes abstractly “good” even when you have no sense of taste anymore. — Sarah Maslin Nir (@SarahMaslinNir) March 22, 2020 

ENT UK indicated in their statement it’s important to highlight new COVID-19 symptoms, especially those like a sudden loss of smell or taste, because they can indicate people who are infectious without other typical symptoms. Those who suddenly lose their sense of smell should contact their health care professional and self-isolate.

“It could potentially be used as a screening tool to help identify otherwise asymptomatic patients, who could then be better instructed on self-isolation,” wrote Hopkins. “In addition to the current symptom criteria used to trigger quarantine, we might be able to reduce the number of otherwise asymptomatic individuals who continue to act as vectors, not realising the need to self-isolate.”