Ipsos Research Highlights - 9 July 2021
In this week's Ipsos Research Highlights we explore the latest findings our REACT-1 study, support for COVID-19 restrictions and changing priorities for the Brexit agreement.
Latest REACT-1 study findings show COVID-19 infection rates three times lower for double vaccinated people
Our latest findings from the REACT-1 study with Imperial College London show infections have quadrupled since May, with 1 in 170 people infected. Infections has increased in all regions, with London seeing the largest increase from 0.13% in round 12 to 1.08%. Infection rates for double vaccinated under-65s however are three times lower than in unvaccinated under-65s, demonstrating the impact of the vaccination rollout.
Majority of Britons support extending certain COVID-19 restrictions, but not forever
Over two-thirds support wearing masks (70%) and keeping some distancing measures in theatres, pubs and sports grounds (66%) until at least a month after 19 July. There is strong support for these measures to remain in place until COVID-19 is under control worldwide. Six in ten support keeping the public using the NHS tracing app for a period up to 1 month after 19 July and 56% support using this until the virus is under control worldwide.
Less than half expect restrictions to be eased on 19th July as planned, but confidence in the NHS remains high
As many people think it is unlikely that restrictions will be lifted on 19 July, as planned as think it is likely (46% vs 44%). The public are much more pessimistic than they were in May, when 58% thought it was likely. Even with concern surrounding the virus, public confidence in the NHS is high, with 82% saying they are confident in its ability to cope.
Ipsos Issues Index: June 2021
We found a spike in concern about COVID-19 jumping up +7 points to 56% just before the Government postponed the lifting of restrictions, which are now expected later in the month. The level of worry about climate change and the environment is also continuing to recover towards its pre-pandemic level. However it remains just the joint-fifth biggest issue behind the economy, NHS and Brexit, as well as COVID-19.
In other news
Leave and Remain voters are split of top priorities for Britain for Brexit agreement. Leave voters are more likely to choose reducing illegal immigration (43% versus 20% of Remainers) and crime. While Remain voters are more concerned about climate change (34% versus 19% of Leave voters), and consumer protection (33% versus 19%).
Ratings for Keir Starmer and the Labour party remain largely unchanged since May and only 26% of Britons think they would do a better job at leading the country. Sixty per cent of Britons say it is not clear what Keir Starmer stands for, including two in five (41%) of 2019 Labour voters.
Join our upcoming webinar
Join us on 22 July at 3pm where the following external experts will discuss the findings of our new Future of Fats, Sugar and the Obesity Crisis report.
- Alison Tedstone PhD, RNutr, FRCP Hon, Deputy Director Diet, Obesity and Physical Activity / Chief Nutritionist, Public Health England
- Mark Pritchard, Metabolic Lead UK & Ireland, Johnson & Johnson Medical
- Phil Smith, Director General, ISBA – the Voice of British Advertisers
- Lucy Burnham, Head of Brand & Consumer, Ipsos
- Chair - Anna Quigley, Head of Health and Social Care, Public Affairs, Ipsos
The panel will share their own views on fats and sugars, the future of healthier diets, and where potential solutions might lie.
As ever, please do let us know what you think, and I hope you find something to interest you.
Ben Page
Chief Executive, Ipsos
[email protected]