The provincial government is casting a wider net in capturing possible COVID-19 infections through the adoption of broader symptom criteria.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says the list now includes some new symptoms not previously covered in the testing criteria.

They include things like painful swallowing, runny nose, unexplained loss of appetite, diarrhea, and small red or purple spots on your hands or feet.

Public health officials are now advising anyone with two or more symptoms, to call 811 to for testing.

If you have two or more of the symptoms outlined here (new or worsening), you should complete the #COVID19 self-assessment tool at https://t.co/gqIH8mKDh2. #GovNL #covid19nfld pic.twitter.com/qzb7IKA3q3

— Government of NL (@GovNL) May 15, 2020

Dr. Fitzgerald says they are constantly watching and looking at criteria.

She says there have been reports elsewhere of these types of post-inflammatory symptoms, and they wanted to make sure they were catching as many cases as possible.

Dr. Fitzgerald says she does not know of any cases of people who previously presented with those symptoms and were turned away. However, she admits she is not aware of the symptoms of every person who has sought testing.

Meanwhile, the health minister is encouraging people to seek advice through 811 if they have previously experienced any of these new symptoms.

John Haggie says those who have had a symptom on the new list, that was not on the old list, should once again go back to 811.

Haggie says if you have one or more of these new symptoms, don’t let the opportunity to get tested pass you by.