Majority against relaxing the Corona rules

13.12.2022 11:38

Whether it's mandatory masks on buses and trains, isolation regulations for infected people, protective measures for clinics or compulsory vaccination for medical staff: according to a survey as part of the European COvid Survey (ECOS), the majority of people in Germany think these rules are correct. More than one in three also expect another pandemic within the next five years and only 26 percent believe that Germany is well or very well prepared for it.

Furthermore, the representative surveys from the Hamburg Center for Health Economics (HCHE) at the University of Hamburg, which were carried out in Germany and seven other European countries, show the following results:

63 percent of those surveyed in Germany would like to see a mask requirement on public transport. Only 17 percent are against it. 68 percent voted to maintain the isolation requirement in the event of an infection, while only 12 percent were in favor of lifting it. The protective measures for clinics are also widely supported: 70 percent support the requirement to wear masks for patients and visitors and 58 percent still support the requirement to vaccinate medical staff. Basically, it can be seen that approval for the measures is highest in western Germany and lowest in eastern Germany.

“Even if the population's attention is now focused more on other crises such as high energy costs or inflation, there are still widespread fears of new mutations and another pandemic in connection with Corona,” explains Prof. Dr. Jonas Schreyögg, scientific director of the HCHE, praised the high approval ratings for the measures.

Although 75 percent of those surveyed in Germany stated that they had received at least three vaccinations against COVID-19 and that the course of the disease was generally milder, Corona still worries 80 percent of people in this country to varying degrees. 16 percent said they were very worried. Among the European countries surveyed, these concerns increase from the north (Denmark) to the south (France, Italy, Portugal). However, at least three vaccinations do not generally lead to greater perceived safety: In addition to Germany, Italy also has a top triple vaccination rate of 75 percent, but in the Netherlands, despite the low rate of 60 percent, fewer people are worried.

Despite widespread concerns among the population, protective behaviors such as distancing and hygiene rules continued to decline in all countries. In Germany, for example, only one in three people avoid hugs, kisses and handshakes as greetings and only 27 percent remember the recommended distance rules.

As a result of the corona pandemic, many people in this country have also said that they have difficulties with social participation and suffer from psychological stress. 43 percent reported fewer contacts and friendships, 35 percent reported mental problems due to COVID-19. This is particularly pronounced in the 18 to 24 year old age group: one in two people mentioned negative influences on both their psyche and social integration.

And according to ECOS, the future prospects are also not very optimistic: 37 percent of those surveyed in Germany expect another pandemic in the next five years and only one in four are convinced that Germany is well or very well prepared for it.