The majority of the British public are clueless when it comes to the different rules and regulations introduced by Boris Johnson and the UK government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed 66 per cent have struggled to get to grips with the regular changes to government restrictions and guidelines.
Just 12 per cent were aware you should self-isolate for 10 days if you have Covid-19 symptoms – with 62 per cent thinking it was for 14 days.
And while just over one in 10 (12 per cent) correctly said you should self-isolate for 10 days if you test positive for the virus – 62 per cent believed it should be for two weeks.
Despite the talk of tiers, 17 per cent admitted they weren’t aware of Boris Johnson’s ‘traffic light system’, while almost 19 per cent didn’t know which tier – medium, high, very high – they were currently in.
But while eight in 10 understand the Rule of Six, 20 per cent don’t know if they’re allowed to go to their local pub at the moment.
And 53 per cent have no idea if they’re allowed to visit another country in the UK.
The study, commissioned by Medicspot, also revealed just 65 per cent were confident they know all the symptoms for Covid-19.
The same figure (65 per cent) understands what is meant by the term ‘circuit breaker’ – where there would be tighter restrictions like the original lockdown.
But despite the prevalence of them, just 80 per cent know you legally have to wear a facemask in shops or on public transport.
Medicspot carried out the research after it experienced a 148 per cent month-on-month rise in people ordering its ‘fit to fly’ Covid-19 tests, which can confirm if you’re Covid-19 free within 24 hours.
A spokesperson for Medicspot said: “These are fast-moving and challenging times for everyone, and it is difficult to keep up with the new restrictions and guidelines as they are introduced.
“It’s hard to make a one-size-fits-all response that suits everyone, but there are a number of rules people still aren’t clear on.”
However, the study also found that Brits are clear on the workplace, with just seven per cent not understanding the government’s guidelines around doing their job.
The OnePoll survey for Medicspot revealed just over half (54 per cent) know that parents can send children to school if they have a minor cough or cold.
But a fifth didn’t know which countries you can or can’t travel to, while six in 10 were unaware some countries and airlines require a fit-to-fly certificate to confirm you do not have evidence of an active Covid-19 infection.
And 70 per cent didn’t know the FCO advises people who need to prove they’re Covid-19 free before travelling to have the test done privately rather than on the NHS.
Medicspot customers can order a kit online which can be picked up from a nearby pharmacy or delivered to their door the next day.
They then provide a sample which is sent to a UKAS accredited laboratory, with the results – and a fit to fly certificate – sent within 24 hours of the lab receiving the sample.
More information on Medicspot’s ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate – https://www.medicspot.co.uk/fit-to-fly-certificate
