Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
World
Sophie Law

Quarter of Brits refuse to self-isolate and flout social distancing laws during Covid-19 pandemic

More than a quarter of Brits have refused to self-isolate or follow social distancing rules, a new survey has found.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 27% are still making contact with people outside of their home.

A third of people self-isolating said it was because they were a key worker and leaving the house was essential.

However, a worrying 54% were failing to follow social distancing "for other reasons", The Mirror reports.

The OnePoll survey came as Police Scotland issued more than 25 fines to people flouting the new laws aimed to stop people gathering during the outbreak.

54% of Brits are failing to follow social distancing "for other reasons" during coronavirus (Getty Images)

Of those currently distancing themselves from others, 14 per cent believe they already had coronavirus, but since recovered, while six per cent said they think they currently have the virus.

Tiredness and lethargy (52%) were the most common symptoms for members of the public who think they have had the virus, followed by aches and pains and a continuous cough (both 47%).

Four in ten of those who think they have had it said they had a high temperature, while 31% had difficulty breathing and 26% said they had experienced a loss of sense of taste and/or smell.

Almost three quarters (71%) said they did not think they have had coronavirus.

The OnePoll survey revealed that the vast majority (83%) of the public would like to be tested to see if they have the antibodies for Covid-19 and are therefore immune for the time being and can safely leave isolation.

It comes as scientists warn mass public testing for  coronavirus  could stop people from self-isolating and social distancing during the pandemic.

There is a risk that people who have had  Covid- 19  and are now immune will return to normal life and be followed by others who are still at risk of catching the deadly virus.

Another concern is that people who are fed up with isolation will go out and simply claim to have had the infection, according to scientists.

Professor Madelynne Arden at Sheffield Hallam University and Professor Christopher Armitage at the University of Manchester, wrote of their concerns to England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty and Health Secretary Matt Hancock.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.