Majority of Brits would avoid big events and public transport post-lockdown, poll reveals
Cheltenham Festival was among the last large public events to take place prior to the lockdown (PA)
2 min read
Over two-thirds (67%) of Brits would feel ‘uncomfortable’ attending large events or using public transport after lockdown over coronavirus fears, a new poll has found.
The Ipsos MORI survey also found that only 29% would be happy to go to a bar or restaurant when restrictions are lifted.
It comes as Boris Johnson revealed on Thursday that “comprehensive plans” to reverse the country’s strict lockdown measures would be set out next week.
Since March 24, Brits have been told to stay at home, all non-essential stores have been shut and public gatherings banned in an effort to slow the spread of Covid-19.
But even after restrictions are lifted, 67% of the 1,066 people polled said they would be uncomfortable going to events such as sports or music fixtures.
Young people were more likely to consider socialising at bars and restaurants, with 36% of 18-34-year saying they would, compared to only 22% of 55-75s.
Opinions were mixed about shopping in non-essential shops and returning to the workplace, with only 49% of Brits say they’d feel comfortable doing either.
There was also unease about sending children back to school, with almost half (48%) saying they weren’t happy with the idea.
Two-thirds (62%) of people, however, would feel comfortable socialising with people outside of their home.
Commenting on the poll, Keiran Pedley, Research Director at Ipsos MORI said: “The public are looking forward to seeing family members again in person and a clear majority are comfortable doing so.
“However, there is clear unease at other consequences of the lockdown ending.
She continued: “In particular, clear majorities of Britons are nervous about using public transport again or going to bars, restaurants or live music and sporting events.
“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”.
In a separate poll released on Thursday, Ipsos MORI revealed that two-thirds (66%) of those asked now believe measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 were imposed “too late” - up from 57% two weeks ago.
But, Brits were becoming less concerned about the country’s economy, down from 63% to 49%.
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