THE majority of people testing positive for coronavirus are sticking to requirements, according to the latest survey. 

Although the majority of people testing positive for Covid-19 have been following self-isolating guidelines, 15 per-cent continue to break the rules.

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Figures released by the Office for National Statistics revealed that 84 per-cent of respondents fully adhered to the 10-day self-isolation rules after testing positive between April 12 and 16. 

While 15 per-cent of people reported at least one activity during self-isolation that broke the rules, such as leaving home or having visitors for a reason not permitted under legislation.

Bournemouth Echo:

Rapid testing kit - PA

The data suggests that most people are still following the requirements for self-isolating despite the sharp fall in Covid-19 infections and deaths in recent weeks, along with the ongoing rollout of coronavirus vaccines.

However, self-isolating is continuing to have an impact on people’s wellbeing.

More than a third (37 per-cent) of those who tested positive reported that self-isolation had a negative effect on their mental health.

This is broadly unchanged on the number in a previous ONS survey carried out from March 8 to 13 (36 per-cent).

Tim Gibbs, head of the ONS public services analysis team, said: “It is encouraging to see the majority of those who tested positive for coronavirus reported fully adhering to requirements designed to protect them and others from further spread of Covid-19.

“Self-isolation has put considerable strain on some people; over a third reported a negative impact of their wellbeing and mental health, and approximately a quarter reported a loss of income.

“We will continue to monitor the behaviours of those required to self-isolate as wider lockdown restrictions are eased.”

The survey found that just over one in four adults (27%) reported a loss of income, while 16% of those who had been working prior to self-isolating – either in or outside their home – said they were not paid during the self-isolation period.

Some 41% said they had worked as normal on full pay, while 16% said they had received the full amount of sick pay.

Among those who said they did not follow the self-isolation rules, the most-reported reason for leaving the house was to go to the shops (32%), followed by going to a place of work, school or university (23%).

The ONS said all figures should be treated with care, as the survey is based on a relatively small sample of respondents who have chosen to report their own behaviour.