Gary Lineker in self-isolation as son George develops coronavirus symptoms after they spend time together

GARY Lineker is in self-isolation after his son developed coronavirus symptoms.

The former England footballer said he had spent time with his son George, who had since reported suffering a "complete loss of taste and smell".

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And while Lineker, 59. said he had been extremely cautious and followed hand washing and social distancing advice, he was now going into lockdown.

Tweeting today, Lineker wrote: "In self isolation as @GeorgeLineker has symptoms. 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.";

He later added: "Worth being careful if you lose your sense of taste and smell. You could unknowingly have the virus.

"I checked all this with a doctor before sharing the information. Stay safe."

The British Association of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT UK) has previously warned that patients who have lost their sense of taste and smell could have contracted the deadly bug - even if they don't have a fever or cough.

It said in a statement: "Evidence from other countries that the entry point for the coronavirus is often in the eyes, nose and throat areas.

"We have also identified a new symptom (loss of sense of smell and taste) that may mean that people without other symptoms but with just the loss of this sense may have to self-isolate - again to reduce the spread of the virus."

Gary's son George, 28, is the co-founder of Flipper, a telecom start up.

George just tweeted yesterday about being in isolation, writing: "Gonna be so bored of beans on toast by the time this is over".

There are currently more than 5,600 cases of coronavirus in the UK, with more than 280 deaths recorded.

Tragically, the youngest victim was yesterday revealed to be an 18-year-old from Coventry.

The NHS is currently advising people with a high temperature or continuous cough to stay at home and self-isolate for seven days.

If you live with others, they should also stay at home for 14 days from the day the first person started showing symptoms.

Anyone with suspected coronavirus who becomes seriously ill should call 111.

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It comes as Brits appeared to ignore the strict warnings to stay at home and poured into parks and onto beaches over the weekend.

And Boris Johnson has warned that without "drastic action" cases will double every five to six days.

Speaking at the daily press conference at Downing Street, Boris Johnson said: "I want to thank everybody in the country today for the whole effort we are collectively making."