Table S1.
Knowledge items at Wave 1
| What does the term “incubation period” mean? |
| - The duration of lockdown restrictions |
| - The period between infection and the appearance of symptoms |
| - The period when an infected person is contagious |
| - I don’t know. |
| What does “flattening the curve” mean in discussions about COVID-19? |
| - The rapid immunisation of the population |
| - A slowdown in new infections |
| - An increase in new infections |
| - I don’t know. |
| What does the term “herd immunity” mean in discussions of COVID-19? |
| - When a large part of the population is immunised against the coronavirus due to having already overcome infection |
| - When part of the population can resist the coronavirus for genetic reasons |
| - When a large group isolates itself and protects itself from the coronavirus |
| - I don’t know. |
| What does the term “social distancing” mean? |
| - Keeping a distance of 1 to 2 metres between yourself and anyone not in your household who is coughing or sneezing |
| - Keeping a distance of 1 to 2 metres between yourself and everyone outside your household |
| - Not shaking hands with strangers |
| - I don’t know. |
| Which people are at risk of COVID-19? |
| - All people 40 years old or older |
| - People with severe pre-existing conditions (e.g. heart disease or diabetes) or |
| advanced age |
| - People who have recently had a cold |
| - Idon't know. |
| How should you react if you suspected that you had COVID-19? |
| - I should stay at home and call 1450 (i.e. the health hotline). |
| - I should visit my family doctor. |
| - I should go to the emergency room. |
| - I don’t know. |