Awareness

Awareness

1. Sufficient information about COVID-19 restrictions on high risk groups n= 982

   • Yes n= 799 "I had four letters informing me I was high risk and should shield, three similar letters from hospital consultants and one other from my GP. I have also had two lengthy phone calls from a consultants secretary and a rheumatoid nurse to make sure I understand what I can and cannot do." (P9)
   • No n= 183 "I understand the need for a blanket "stay at home for 12 weeks" directive but we are individuals with different conditions, lifestyles, treatments/therapies and levels of knowledge. The information needs to be outlined re the specific risks to each condition and have some focus on what will aid adaptation of lifestyle and recovery as the virus is here to stay." (P160)

2. Agree with high risk group categorisation n= 802

   • Yes n= 516 "I have always been told that I am at a higher risk of illness from seasonal flu so it is logical to accept, when presented, the higher risk posed to me by COVID-19. Data released by NHS England within the last 2 weeks suggests that I could be 3.5 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than a completely healthy person of similar age." (P753)
   • No n= 286 "Even though I'm pregnant, the studies I have seen don't appear to indicate that I am at higher risk for severe illness from coronavirus than others. I think it is an extra precaution because they don't have enough research to know how it might affect pregnant women or the unborn baby." (P87)

3. Sufficient information about COVID-19 impact on high risk groups if contracted n= 383

   • No n= 201 "The information on symptoms is too general and basic. So I should look for a cough and high temperature. I have the odd cough all the time. Is this COVID? Are the symptoms going to be different for me given that I am asthmatic? I can find no detailed information for expected symptoms based up what high risk condition you have." (P323)
   • Yes n= 102 "I know what symptoms to look out for, plus my wife is a nurse." (P653)