According to a survey carried out in March 2020, 92 percent of the British public believed that frequently washing hands helps to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Additionally, 90 percent of respondents agreed that staying inside will stop the spread of the virus, although 32 percent wrongly believe vodka can be used as hand sanitizer..
As of March 31, 2020, the United Kingdom had 25,151confirmed cases of coronavirus.
Share of respondents who believe the following advice relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to be true in Great Britain in 2020
Characteristic
Share of respondents who agree with the statement
Washing your hands frequently stops the virus from spreading
92%
Staying inside will stop the virus from spreading
90%
Keeping at least two metres’ distance from other people keeps coronavirus from spreading
89%
Vodka can be used as hand sanitizer
32%
Coronavirus can survive on surfaces for up to a month
28%
Facemasks can protect you from the coronavirus*
28%
The coronavirus originated in a laboratory in China
21%
Coronavirus is just like the flu
20%
Drinking water every 15 minutes will flush out any virus that might have entered the mouth
16%
Spraying alcohol or chlorine on skin kills viruses in the body
16%
If you can hold your breath for ten seconds without discomfort you don’t have coronavirus
16%
Coronavirus will die off when the temperatures rise in spring
14%
Pets can spread coronavirus
13%
Coronavirus only affects older people or those with underlying health issues
10%
Heat kills the coronavirus – for example from drinking hot drinks or taking a hot bath
10%
Exposure to the sun prevents coronavirus
8%
Flu and pneumonia vaccines can protect against the coronavirus
Respondents were shown a random seven of the below statements. Data shows the sum of 'definitely true' and 'probably true.
Green means the statement is true
* The source states: Masks help protect health workers and carers in close proximity to someone with coronavirus, if you're ill they can protect you from infecting others. But wearing one in public if you're well is unlikely to protect you from others.
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YouGov. (March 30, 2020). Share of respondents who believe the following advice relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to be true in Great Britain in 2020 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved December 02, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1108143/coronavirus-beliefs-in-great-britain/
YouGov. "Share of respondents who believe the following advice relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to be true in Great Britain in 2020." Chart. March 30, 2020. Statista. Accessed December 02, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1108143/coronavirus-beliefs-in-great-britain/
YouGov. (2020). Share of respondents who believe the following advice relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to be true in Great Britain in 2020. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: December 02, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1108143/coronavirus-beliefs-in-great-britain/
YouGov. "Share of Respondents Who Believe The following Advice Relating to The Coronavirus (Covid-19) to Be True in Great Britain in 2020." Statista, Statista Inc., 30 Mar 2020, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1108143/coronavirus-beliefs-in-great-britain/
YouGov, Share of respondents who believe the following advice relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to be true in Great Britain in 2020 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1108143/coronavirus-beliefs-in-great-britain/ (last visited December 02, 2024)
Share of respondents who believe the following advice relating to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to be true in Great Britain in 2020 [Graph], YouGov, March 30, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1108143/coronavirus-beliefs-in-great-britain/