‘Clear skies, no planes, less traffic’: Half of public say they will struggle to go back to pre-pandemic life

As lockdown begins easing, Ellie Abraham looks at data that suggests many of us have hesitations about going back to the old world

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With people in the UK living under some form of restriction since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is fair to say we’ve become somewhat accustomed to a new way of life. Even if we don’t always enjoy it.

They say it takes as little as 21 days (and an average of 66 days) to form a habit. Having well passed 365 days of restrictions, many of us might feel like we could now do our walk around the block or loop of the local park with our eyes shut. Totally on autopilot.

Now, as the roadmap continues apace, new YouGov research has suggested that around half of the British public have said they will struggle to adjust to life after the pandemic when the rules are fully lifted.

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For people in England, life changed overnight when Boris Johnson issued a stay at home order on 23 March, saying to only leave the house for essential reasons, such as work if unable to work from home.

Almost a year on and restrictions are beginning to ease: on Monday 12 April, pubs and restaurants were allowed to begin serving guests outside, while indoor gym facilities and non-essential shops reopened.

But, according to data by YouGov, the readjustment to life with no Covid restrictions may be more difficult for some than others. Asking around 1,600 adults their thoughts on how they will find reverting to life as it was prior to March last year, the research had surprising results.

It found that half of the British public believe they will find it difficult to readjust to life before lockdown, compared with 42 per cent who say it will be easy. Gender had an impact on the results, as, of those asked, 56 per cent of women said that they will find it difficult, compared to 43 per cent of men.

The results also seem to be impacted by age, as more young people said they will find it difficult to transition back to pre-Covid life. Among respondents between 18- 24 years old, 56 per cent believe it will be hard for them to transition, compared with 33 per cent who say it will be easy.

Among those who think they’ll find it hard to readjust, many respondents (34 per cent) say that being out in public with others, particularly in crowds, is their main concern.

While 16 per cent said that they will find adjusting to socialising again difficult, for 8 per cent it was returning to university or the workplace that was causing the most concern.

For adults, who have been more at risk in terms of health than younger people and teenagers, the thought of being in crowds will be the hardest thing to adjust to: 44 per cent of those over 50 said they will find it hard to be around crowds, compared to 11 per cent of those aged 18-24.

Having been under some level of restrictions for over a year, many admitted there were aspects of lockdown they will miss when life returns to relative normal.

With fewer planes and car traffic due to the stay at home orders, carbon emissions and air pollution dropped by 7 per cent during the pandemic. The research results reflected that impact, as 11 per cent said they will miss there being less traffic on the roads, fewer planes in the skies and the chance to have cleaner air and streets.

The combination of more time at home and less traffic has meant many have enjoyed getting out into nature. One research respondent said: “Clear skies, no planes and less traffic: more birdsong as a result.” Others responded saying they have enjoyed the “peace and quiet”.

Others seem to have enjoyed spending more time at home with their loved ones, as 8 per cent said they will miss spending time with their family bubble (including pets).

The unlocking roadmap has some way left to go, with the next phase set to happen at the earliest on 17 May, which will include reopening restaurants and bars indoors and increasing chances to meet socially. Until then, we wait for the data to show progress, and take heart from the continued success of the vaccine programme.