Scientists warn of negative consequences of mass covid-19 testing

Mass public testing for coronavirus could have a negative impact on compliance with social isolation and other protective behaviours, scientists have warned. The scientists say social norms to isolate are extremely important, pointing to the weekend of March 21/22, when a large number of people were seen out and about despite government guidance. The email explains: “Clearly the Government expected that people would make rational assessments of personal/family risk and that, once they realised that physical separation would not be possible in a tourist location, they would turn around and go back home.