Summary
- A strong majority of residents say they would get a test for COVID-19 if they had been in contact with someone who tested positive (81%)
- A majority also say they would test if it was required for travel (69%)
- Females are more likely to test regularly and before meeting others. The over 64 age group are most likely to test only if they show symptoms – they are the least likely to be testing regularly
this chart shows that When asked about the circumstances that respondents would try to get a test for COVID-19 if you were not experiencing any symptoms
81% say if someone they had been in contact with tested positive
69% say if a test is required for travel
49% say if they got a ping from the NHS track and trace app
43% say that they test regularly anyway
41% say for events
37% say before meeting with others
28% say before travelling even if it is not required
19% say if their child’s school required testing
10% say they would only try to get a test if they had symptoms
4% say they would try to get a test for other reasons
Circumstances of testing for COVID-19 if not experiencing any symptoms – total sample
Base (total sample): 773
Key differences by demographic
Sex
Females are more likely to be testing regularly (16% point difference). Females are also more likely to test before meeting others, for events, before travel even if it is not required, and if they are pinged by the NHS app.
Age
Residents aged 16-24 are most likely to get a test if it is required for travel, if they have been in contact with somebody who has tested positive, and for events. Those over the age of 64 are less likely to test under most circumstances.
Residents over the age of 64 are also more likely to only try to get a test if they had symptoms and are not testing as regularly as other age groups.
