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More than 70 per cent of people believe that someone who contracts Covid-19 has been careless or reckless in following public health advice, a survey has found.<\/p>\nMore than 70 per cent of people believe that someone who contracts Covid-19 has been careless or reckless in following public health advice, a survey has found.<\/p>\n
According to new research, the majority of people hold negative views about those who test positive for the coronavirus.<\/p>\n
Despite how easily the virus spreads, a large portion of people from across all socio-demographic groups hold the view that those who test positive for the disease have been careless.<\/p>\n
According to new Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) research, almost half of people do not know that calling their GP to discuss symptoms of Covid-19 is free and over one third think they could be charged for a test.<\/p>\n
These wrongly perceived costs could deter or delay people from arranging a test if they experience symptoms, it was also claimed.<\/p>\n
The findings are based on a nationally representative survey of 1,000 adults in Ireland run in early July, which examined public understanding of the Covid-19 test-and-trace system to identify potential barriers to engagement.<\/p>\n
Respondents were asked about each stage of the process, from arranging a test to getting results and notifying close contacts if necessary.<\/p>\n
The study found overwhelming public support for the system, but just 3% were able to answer all comprehension questions correctly.<\/p>\n
Fear of being blamed may be a barrier to arranging a test quickly when symptoms appear, the survey found.<\/p>\n
Younger adults were more likely to be affected by the issues identified.<\/p>\n
People in their 20s and 30s were less likely to know the GP consultation is free, more likely to believe getting tested would be a hassle and uncomfortable, more pessimistic about result waiting times and more worried about being identified by their close contacts.<\/p>\n
Dr Shane Timmons of the ESRI\u2019s behavioral research unit said: \u201cThe public overwhelmingly agree that the test-and-trace system is vital for controlling the spread of Covid-19, but misconceptions about the system could mean people don\u2019t seek a test as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should call any GP or out-of-hours service straight away if you suspect that you might have symptoms \u2013 doing so is free and can help make sure you don\u2019t spread the virus to someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n