Nine in 10 people in the Netherlands have gone shopping despite having symptoms that resemble Coronavirus, according to a survey by health authorities.
While 84 percent thought that those with symptoms of the virus should stay home, 90 percent went shopping at least once while coughing or displaying a high temperature. Some 64 percent admitted they had visited friends or family, 43 percent even went to work and 41 percent visited a restaurant, café or bar.
Almost half of those (45 percent) who were aware that they had been in contact with someone who tested positive, did not self-isolate as required. A similar proportion did not go for testing when they had Covid-like symptoms.
That may be why 82 percent backed the 1,5 metre distance rule and 69 percent liked working from home at least part of the time. In July, only 68 percent supported social distancing and 58 percent worked from home.
Many respondents also complained about face masks on public transport, which only 43 percent saw as helpful. Confidence in the government’s overall strategy fell from 75 percent in April to 52 percent in August.
Some 61 000 inhabitants are questioned every six weeks by the public health agency RIVM in collaboration with the regional health service network GGD to gauge the temperature of the Dutch Covid-19 response.