One in four people are still refusing to comply with coronavirus lockdown

Apparently they are refusing to self-isolate or take social distancing measures.

More than a quarter of Brits are refusing to self-isolate or take social distancing measures, research has revealed.

A survey of 2,000 adults has revealed 27% of people are still making contact with others outside of their home.

A third of those not isolating said it is because they are an essential worker – but a worrying 54% said they were failing to keep their distance ‘for other reasons’.

The OnePoll survey came as several police forces set up specialist hotlines and portals encouraging the public to tip them off when people fail to adhere to the government’s guidelines.

Of those following guidelines and distancing themselves from others, 14% believe they already had coronavirus, but have since recovered. Another 6% said they think they currently have the virus.

But almost three quarters – 71% – said they did not think they have had coronavirus.

For the latest updates check out our Coronavirus live blog.

Tiredness and lethargy – 52% – were the most common symptoms for members of the public who think they have had the virus, followed by aches and pains and a continuous cough (both 47%).

Four in ten of those who think they have had it said they had a high temperature, while 31% had difficulty breathing and 26% said they had experienced a loss of sense of taste and/or smell.

The OnePoll survey revealed that the vast majority, 83%, of the public would like to be tested to see if they have the antibodies for Covid-19 and are therefore immune for the time being and can safely leave isolation.

Current government guidelines say in no uncertain terms that you should not be meeting others outside of your household, even family or friends.

You should only go outside to buy food and essentials, for health reasons or to go to work (if you are a key worker or absolutely cannot work from home).

If you go out, you must stay 2 metres away from other people at all times. And you should wash your hands as soon as you get home.

You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.

The news comes after a 13-year-old schoolboy from south London has reportedly become the UK’s youngest person to die after testing positive for Covid-19.

Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, from Brixton, died at Kings College Hospital on Monday morning after being put into an induced coma.

Hospital chiefs confirmed he had tested positive for Covid-19.

The UK death toll for coronavirus rocketed by nearly 400 on Tuesday – the biggest daily jump – bringing the total number to 1,789.

A total of 367 patients in England died, and Scotland recorded 13 more deaths.

A further seven people were confirmed dead in Wales, while Northern Ireland recorded six more deaths. Officials said 28 of the victims did not have underlying health conditions.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.