Almost half of people in Ireland are unaware that calling their GP to discuss symptoms of COVID-19 is free of charge, while less than 30% are aware that they can call any GP for a COVID consultation, not just their own, a new survey has found.

The survey, which was carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), set out to examine the public's understanding of the COVID-19 test and trace system, and to identify any potential barriers to getting involved with it.

Participants were asked about each stage of the process, from arranging a test to getting results and notifying close contacts if necessary.

The survey found overwhelming support for the system, however it also unearthed a number of misconceptions about how it works.

When it came to arranging a test, while almost 90% knew that they could call their own GP if they thought they needed a test, just 29% were aware that they could call any GP for such a consultation, while only 31% knew that they could call an out-of-hours GP service.

Overall, just 17% of respondents correctly selected all three ways to arrange a test, while 6% did not know how to arrange a test at all.

Of those who did not know how to arrange a test, almost 40% thought they could go to their GP in person, despite the fact that people with COVID symptoms are asked to isolate at home and not attend their GP surgery.

When it came to costs, 56% knew that a COVID phone consultation with a GP is free of charge. However, the remainder said they were not sure of the cost or thought that it was either half the cost of a normal consultation, or the same cost.

While most people felt that a COVID test would be recommended by their GP if they were experiencing one of the main symptoms of the virus, participants were less certain that they would be referred for a test if they rang complaining of other cold and flu symptoms, such as a sore throat or headache.

When it came to the actual test, 28% were unsure whether they would have to pay for it. Those who knew that it was free said they would be more willing to call their GP if they were to experience COVID symptoms.

When it came to the test results, faith in the accuracy of them was high. However, participants were unsure whether having the virus conferred immunity.

When it came to attitudes to others, most participants were of the opinion that if somebody else tested positive for COVID-19, it was because they had somehow been reckless and had, at least partly, themselves to blame.

When it came to close contacts, 66% of people knew the definition of a close contact - someone they had spent more than 15 minutes with at less than two metres apart.

However, the majority of respondents were unaware how contact tracers might get in contact with them. Only 7% were aware that contact tracers ring from a private phone number, with most thinking these calls would come from some kind of HSE number. A lack of awareness that the calls come from a private number may lead to some going unanswered, the ESRI noted.

"The public overwhelmingly agree that the test and trace system is vital for controlling the spread of COVID-19, but misconceptions about the system could mean people don't seek a test as quickly as possible.

"You should call any GP or out-of-hours service straight away if you suspect that you might have symptoms. Doing so is free and can help make sure you don't spread the virus to someone else," commented Dr Shane Timmons of the ESRI's Behavioural Research Unit.

The survey of 1,000 adults was carried out in early July. A report on the findings of the survey can be viewed here.