12,399 views

, 8 tweets, 2 min read

1. The idea that people will get bored with the restrictions and will stop following them if they go on has been expressed by Govt ministers, journalists, and the opposition. Keir Starmer said that without an exit strategy people will break the restrictions. . .

2. It's not clear what the evidence is for this. What we know of people's behaviour in emergencies suggest that they won't do that as long as they perceive restrictions as necessary. It's therefore important that the risk is not downplayed by politicians or media.

4. Research reveals that when evacuated and instructed to follow particular behaviour, people will only go back to normal behaviour once they believe they are out of risk. There is no reason assume that would not be the case with #coronavirus restrictions.

5. People's behaviour before the implementation of restrictions also supports the notion that if they perceive risk they will follow restrictions.
Prior to govt restrictions people had already reduced social contact - there was a drop in footfall in bars and restaurants, . . .

6. the reduction in use of public transport also predates the implementation of restrictions. Sporting organisations had started canceling gatherings. People had begun keeping children away from school. . .

7. Rather than stopping following restrictions it can be expected that people may well continue to observe them even when they are relaxed. For instance, if the govt reopens schools before parent's feel it is safe, school attendance will be very low.
People are more . . .

8. likely to not following the govt advice if they end restrictions too early, not if they go on. That will create its own problems.
The govt need to be open and honest about risks. Politicians and media should not be pushing for relaxing restrictions and creating . . .