06-02-2021, 07:30 AM
Fewer than one in five people request a Covid-19 test if they have symptoms, while the number who follow full self-isolation rules is low, a large study of the test-and-trace system has found.
The report, published in the British Medical Journal, also found only half of people knew the main Covid symptoms.
These include a cough, high temperature and loss of taste or smell.
Experts said the findings suggested the impact of the £37bn NHS Test and Trace system was "limited".
The Department for Health and Social Care said test-and-trace had saved "countless lives", adding that the latest ONS data found the "overwhelming majority" self-isolated when asked to.
The findings are based on 74,697 responses to online surveys from 53,880 people aged 16 or older living in the UK.
In total, 37 survey waves were carried out from 2 March last year to 27 January this year, with about 2,000 participants in each wave.
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Experts involved in the study, including from Public Health England's behavioural science team, found that just 18% of those with coronavirus symptom s said they had requested a test, while 43% with symptoms in the previous seven days adhered to full self-isolation.
Men, younger people and those with young children were less likely to self-isolate, as were those from more working-class backgrounds, people experiencing greater financial hardship, and those working in key sectors.
Common reasons for not fully self-isolating included needing to go to the shops or work, for a medical need other than Covid-19, to care for a vulnerable person, to exercise or meet others, or because symptoms were only mild or got better.
The report, published in the British Medical Journal, also found only half of people knew the main Covid symptoms.
These include a cough, high temperature and loss of taste or smell.
Experts said the findings suggested the impact of the £37bn NHS Test and Trace system was "limited".
The Department for Health and Social Care said test-and-trace had saved "countless lives", adding that the latest ONS data found the "overwhelming majority" self-isolated when asked to.
The findings are based on 74,697 responses to online surveys from 53,880 people aged 16 or older living in the UK.
In total, 37 survey waves were carried out from 2 March last year to 27 January this year, with about 2,000 participants in each wave.
'No clear impact' from £37bn NHS Test and Trace pg slot
How do I get a coronavirus test?
Test-and-trace 'finds half contacts in some areas'
Experts involved in the study, including from Public Health England's behavioural science team, found that just 18% of those with coronavirus symptom s said they had requested a test, while 43% with symptoms in the previous seven days adhered to full self-isolation.
Men, younger people and those with young children were less likely to self-isolate, as were those from more working-class backgrounds, people experiencing greater financial hardship, and those working in key sectors.
Common reasons for not fully self-isolating included needing to go to the shops or work, for a medical need other than Covid-19, to care for a vulnerable person, to exercise or meet others, or because symptoms were only mild or got better.