People are less willing to get a Covid test, but 39% want more rules

Photo: DutchNews.nl
Photo: DutchNews.nl

Fewer people are getting tested for coronavirus if they have symptoms and fewer people say they are willing to do so, according to the latest survey of attitudes to coronavirus by public health institute RIVM.

Just 40% of those surveyed said they would have a test at a regional health board centre if they had the symptoms of coronavirus. But 32% would take a self test, even though the results of these can be unreliable.

Some 16% of people taking a regional health board PCR test are positive for coronavirus.

The survey, which covers 38,000 people, also found that 39% think the government is not doing enough to combat the virus, compared with 26% a month ago.

It also found that social distancing has drastically reduced – even though the government still recommends people keep 1.5 metres apart – and that just 45% are avoiding busy places, compared with 53% a month ago.

The colder weather is also having an impact on how much people are ventilating their homes. Just 39% are still allowing in fresh air, compared with 73% last month.

New rules to reduce the surge in coronavirus cases come into effect on Saturday and next Friday ministers will decide if tougher rules should be brought in.

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