Most with Coronavirus Symptoms Don’t get Tested or Isolate

A recent study carried out by experts examining the Test and Trace system has found that the majority of people who suffer from symptoms of Coronavirus do not get themselves tested or isolate away from people.

According to the study, less than one in five people who have Covid-19 symptoms order a test.

Worryingly, only half of people were able to identify the main symptoms of Coronavirus, which includes a high temperature and a cough. Only 18% of people who suffered with these symptoms said they ordered a test. In the previous week, 43% of people with symptoms said they fully self-isolated.

The British Medical Journal (BMJ) published the findings by experts including Public Health England’s behavioural science team. The results of the study are based on 74,697 responses to online surveys. Information was gathered from 53,880 people living in the UK aged 16 or over.

Self-Isolation Rates Low

From 2 March 2020 to 27 January this year, a total of 37 survey waves were conducted. There were approximately 2,000 participants in each wave. The results highlighted that a mere 52% of people were able to recognise the the main Covid-19 symtoms. Unfortunately, there was not much improvement in this as time went on.

Across all survey results, 43% of people followed the rules regarding self-isolation. In January, the amount of people improved to 52%.

The people less likely to self isolate were males, the younger generation, those with young children, people from more working-class backgrounds, key workers and those experiencing financial hardship.

Reasons for not fully self-isolating commonly included going to work, doing shopping, caring for a vulnerable person, exercising or socialising, for medical reasons, or because they were feeling better or only suffering from mild symptoms.

Only 18% of people who had experienced some form of symptoms in the last seven days, asked for a test. Although three times as many people said they intended to do it they saw signs of developing coronavirus symptoms.

How Effective is the Test, Trace, Isolate System?

79% of people claimed to have good intentions of sharing details of their close contacts with NHS Test and Trace. However, people were hesitant to do so as they were wary about the security and confidentiality of the data. There were also doubts about the accuracy and reliability of the contact tracing system.

The experts viewed the current effectiveness of the UK’s test, trace and isolate system as limited. This was due to the low rates of people identifying symptoms, being tested, and fully self-isolating.

They concluded that even though there were signs of improvement, levels of people adhering to the test, trace, and isolate system were still low. They suggested that practical support and financial help could probably encourage more people to follow the rules. It would also be worth targeting men, younger people and key workers with more messages on policy.

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