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The corona virus and its effects have long been part of Swedish consciousness. In the spring, many have also adapted their behavior significantly to reduce the spread of infection. These include more frequent and accurate handwashing, greater social distance, and fewer handshakes.
But according to a survey by Kantar Sifo that the Swedish Social Protection and Emergency Preparedness Agency (MSB) supports, he is now seeing for the first time what could be a trend violation. The willingness to follow the authorities’ recommendations has recently somewhat decreased.
– Until about a week ago, we saw increasing numbers for most answer options. But now we are seeing the numbers drop. So there is something less to indicate that they have changed their behavior now than last week, says Svante Werger, the authority’s special adviser.
Compared to the previous measurement period (April 30-May 6), some fewer now indicate that they have traveled less on public transportation, participated in leisure and training activities, and avoided public places.
The difference is between five and ten percentage points and is based on the defendants’ own evaluations. This is also a case of relatively high levels: just over 70 percent, for example, previously stated that they have participated in fewer social activities outside the home. Now the figure is over 65 percent.
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“Wait and keep going”
Svante Werger believes the change may be because uncertainty about what the pandemic really means has decreased for many.
– At the start of an event, there are many possible outcomes and parameters that are on the agenda, but gradually it can become clear what the potential problems are and how big they are, he says, emphasizing that it is still very slow. decreasing figures.
Deputy state epidemiologist at the public health authority, Anders Wallensten, points out that this is only a measurement point in the ongoing MSB research, but that they will continue development.
– Our message is to go ahead and continue. The decrease we see is due to people holding on to what we have done so well so far and helping with many parts of society.
– It is important that we continue until we are ready to ease the restrictions. It is still under stress in many places.
How do you manage to get to the same message for a long time so that it doesn’t become a background noise?
– We haven’t had that problem until now. We have to think for ourselves if this is so. This may be a first sign. But on the other hand, it might get better next week, he says.
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High confidence in the Public Health Authority
MSB also continually measures the trust of various authorities and community actors. It is clear that confidence in healthcare and the Public Health Authority remains stable among Swedes. 77 and 88 percent of the respondents, respectively, affirm that they have enough or a lot of confidence in them. However, confidence in caring for the elderly has gradually declined and has now dropped to 29 percent.
In addition, they measure what worries people during the pandemic. There, the rise in unemployment spikes, followed by many companies facing serious financial problems, how they can cope with welfare systems, the capacity of health care and the decrease in the value of savings.
– There is a trend when it comes to all of these claims that concerns decrease over time in this study. I mean, people are a little less worried now than when the research started, says Svante Werger.
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