English speaking-countries were less likely than French or Italian to comply with lockdown rules, study says

Durham University study says belief in effectiveness of measures is important for compliance

British people, Americans, and other English speakers were measurably less likely to comply with coronavirus lockdown regulations than people in other European countries, a new study has claimed.

Academics at Durham University found that 71 per cent of English speakers around the globe followed guidelines.

But 89 per cent of French and Italian speakers are said to have complied, according the academics' analysis, based on a survey of over 8,300 respondents from 70 countries.

The findings should be interpreted with caution as they related to language groups rather than nationalities or residence – with lockdown regulations and compliance differing significantly across the anglosphere.

Many US states imposed much looser lockdowns or none at all, while France and Italy had stricter conditions and enforcement than the UK – such as requiring documentation to leave the house at the peak of the pandemic.

The same study, which surveyed people across 70 countries, found Spanish speakers were the least compliant with lockdown guidelines, with 67 per cent compliant.

Data for the study was conducted using a mobile application Praditus across 8,300 respondents and 70 countries, and also asked about attitudes to steps like wearing masks, social distancing and washing hands.

Participants were also surveyed on other general political statements, like whether government officials should be listened to.

They found that beliefs that taking health precautions like masks and hadwashing are effective for avoiding Covid-19, as well as concern for one’s own, were important predictors in compliance.

Professor Sascha Kraus said: “Countries around the world have been facing extraordinary challenges in implementing various measures to slow down the spread of COVID- 19.

"In order for these measures to be effective, the public must comply. Many governments are lifting official restrictions, thus elevating the importance of voluntary compliance, therefore it’s important that individuals are informed about the effectiveness of wearing masks, handwashing, social distancing, and staying at home, to increase voluntary compliance with government rules and recommendations.”