Two in three concerned about the risk COVID poses to the country – lowest since pandemic started
As we see Covid-19 cases increase, new research by Ipsos, taken in early July, shows concern about the risk the virus poses to the country continuing to fall. Around two-thirds (65%) say they are very/fairly concerned about the risk coronavirus poses to the country. The proportion concerned is down slightly from 71% in March, while a third (34%) say they are not concerned, up from 27%. Concern is now at the lowest level since the pandemic began.
Concern for the risk coronavirus poses to people personally has also lessened since March but more gradually. A majority (56%) still say they are concerned (-3 points since March), whilst two in five (39%) are not (+3 points). However, concern was already lower for individuals than it was for the country as a whole.
What will people do if they test positive?
When asked if they would do various activities if they tested positive for Covid-19, at least 6 in 10 said they would be unlikely to go to their place of work (61%), to a supermarket or shops (60%), travel on public transport (66%), visit elderly relatives (68%), travel abroad (66%) or go to a large public event e.g. sports match or concert (69%).
The public were most likely to say they would leave the house (38% said likely, 48% not likely) or go for a walk outside (47% likely, 36% unlikely).
Keiran Pedley, Research Director at Ipsos, said:
Although concern about the virus is at its lowest level since the pandemic began, it should be noted that a majority of the public are still concerned. They are also prepared to avoid seeing others or spending time in public places should they test positive for the virus. This all shows that whilst other issues, such as the cost of living, might be more foremost on people’s minds, the public are still prepared to take the virus seriously.
