PEOPLE across the UK believe they had Covid before it was widely reported and now The Northern Echo is looking to speak North-East residents with a similar experience.

Hospitals across the North West recorded spikes in respiratory-related admissions just months before the pandemic officially started, casting further doubt on when the virus began.

We want to hear from North-East residents who think they had Covid in the months leading up to the pandemic. Some people may have experienced symptoms and not known what was wrong until news of Covid broke. If this is you, get in touch.