He compared Google searches for “loss of taste” in the United States with the number of coronavirus cases confirmed each day. Loss of taste and smell are, by now, recognized as common symptoms of infection with the novel coronavirus. Again, there’s an increase in searches for loss of taste and smell shortly before the increase in cases. The state hit its peak in searches for loss of taste and smell shortly before the state hit its peak in new cases. We’ve repeatedly seen increases in searches for information about losing one’s sense of taste or smell shortly before states saw surges in new coronavirus cases.

Source: Washington Post October 29, 2020 20:30 UTC