A recent survey conducted by Ipsos Mori has released that around two-thirds of people feel uncomfortable about going out when the lockdown is lifted.
The recent findings have also highlighted that less than half of people currently employed feel comfortable going back to work. Plus, around 35% of people would be nervous if restrictions are lifted.
These figures may not be surprising as we enter another week of lockdown. Imposed initially on the 23 March, it is starting to become more comfortable for people, as they feel safer in their homes at this uncertain time.
A leading statistician has suggested that the message about lockdown rules has been ‘too successful’.
Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter, of Cambridge University, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “It’s much harder to frighten to people to stay at home than it is to reassure them they can go out again. Maybe our whole campaign has been, if anything, slightly too successful.”
There were some positive notes to the survey, as it revealed that people were a lot happier about the thought of seeing family and friends outside their home.
Research Director of Ipsos Mori highlighted from the results, there was ‘clear unease’ of the ending of restrictions.
He also said, “These numbers suggest that it will take some time for parts of the British economy to return to any semblance of normality, even after lockdown has ended.”
Too slow to impose restrictions
The survey indicated that people believe the Prime Minister was too slow to impose the stricter restrictions we saw on 23 March. 66% of the public thought the lockdown measures happened too late. Plus, more than half of Conservative voters said he acted too slowly.
Difference in generations
There was a clear difference in the generational divide amongst the research findings. Around 36% of young people aged 18-34 were more likely to feel more at ease socialising and going to bars and restaurants in comparison to 22% of 55-75s.
Change in lifestyle
This poll was conducted as officials have recently said there could be a ‘dramatic’ change to how people lead their lives in the coming months.
John Holland-Kaye, Chief Executive of Heathrow, said it is ‘physically impossible’ for social distancing at airports. He also explained that there would need to be ‘better solution’ to make travel safer for everyone. Plus, an international standard of measure such as temperature checks for all passengers.
Back to work by the end of May
According to reports from The Sun, Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants the UK to be back to work by the end of May.
A source at Downing Street told the paper this plan was “very much a live conversation”.
However, at the daily briefing, it was warned that a second wave of the virus could happen. He said, “It is vital we do not now lose control and run slap into a second and even bigger mountain.”
Even if businesses do go back to work at the end of the month, it is clear it will be a different environment than people are used to.
