Nearly a quarter of Britons would still visit the supermarket with Covid symptoms
According to the latest government figures for England, 61,809 people tested positive for coronavirus in the week ending 8 October, a 21% increase on the previous week’s figure of 51,046 cases. The virus is also putting a strain on the country’s health service. On 12 October there were 10,608 patients with the virus occupying hospital beds, up 10% from 9,631 the previous week.
Although it is no longer compulsory to self-isolate, the current government guidance advises adults with symptoms to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until no longer feeling unwell. Those with a positive test result should avoid contact with others for five days after taking the test.
While those testing positive for Covid are advised to ask friends, family or neighbours to get food and other essentials for them, a new poll conducted by YouGov reveals that 23% of adults would still go to the supermarket if they suspected they had the virus or had a positive test result.
Considering that older people have been identified as being at higher risk from Covid-19 it’s no surprise to see that only 11% of those aged 65 and over would venture to the supermarket with Covid symptoms compared to 31% of 18-24 year olds.
An age gap is also evident when it comes to keeping an appointment at hospital or with a GP even when displaying Covid symptoms. While only 7% of Britons aged 65 and over would still attend their appointment, three times as many of those aged 18 to 24 (22%) would keep theirs.
When it comes to using public transport, one in nine British adults (11%) would still venture onto the bus or train with either Covid symptoms or having tested positive. This figure drops to just 4% of those aged 65 and over but jumps to 24% of 18-24 year olds.
One in 10 Britons (10%) wouldn’t let Covid stop them going to the pub or restaurant and one in 11 (9%) would still travel abroad despite potentially having Covid.
A quarter of 18-24 year olds (24%) would still go to work despite feeling unwell or testing positive for the virus. This falls to 16% of 25-49 year olds and 11% of those aged 50 to 64.
Two-thirds (66%) of all Britons would give outdoor public events such as a sporting event or concert where there is a mass gathering a miss whereas 13% would still attend such an event.
Keeping friends and family safe is, unsurprisingly, the top priority for those who have Covid, or suspect they have done so, with only 7-8% of adults willing to visit loved ones or invite them into their home.
Photo: Getty
