The science explains how England fought the Covid-19 epidemic

European countries such as Italy, Spain, and France blocked the country to prevent the spread of Covid-19, except for the United Kingdom. Behavioral science may explain this decision.

According to Wired, as of March 19, Covid-19 caused the world to gradually become out of control with more than 200,000 positive findings.

The French government ordered police to patrol the streets to enforce the blockade. People are not allowed on the street unless there is a good reason in writing, otherwise they will be fined. Spain, Belgium and Italy also implement similar policies to ensure the safety of the people.

On March 16, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson issued a social recommendation to isolate the entire population of the country and to keep people at home isolated from suspected people. But compared with the efforts of European countries, the UK's policy is still not really tough. Bars, restaurants and theaters remain open, as long as there are visitors.

The UK is pushing for measures against Covid-19.(Photo: Guardian).

Difficulties in raising community awareness

Researchers have given some explanations from the perspective of behavioral science on the prevention of the epidemic of the British government.

'People only really follow long-term home isolation measures when they realize the full danger of the disease. Blocking the country too sooner or later will have unpredictable consequences , '' said Susan Michie, Professor of Health Psychology at the University of London and member of the government support group against the Covid-19 epidemic.

'Before that, the British government took a careful approach to the problem, catching it up little by little , ' said Susan, "First, they recommended that people wash their hands frequently and call for international medical services. if you see symptoms appear "111.

"Next is the campaign to isolate the infected people, and finally to isolate society from the rest of the population. In contrast, in Italy, the government quickly sealed off the entire country in one day instead of the original Lombardy , " said Susan.

But no matter what changes occur, the government's blockade policy will still face opposition from the people. They are afraid that their work may be delayed, unable to pay rent and their relatives will not be cared for properly. Unless the government resolves the above, people will not voluntarily implement social isolation.

British Prime Minister Borish Johnson (center) with Professor Chris Whitty (left) and Dr. Patrick Vallance.(Photo: No 10 Downing Street).

Although on March 17, Minister of Finance Rishi Sunak outlined a loan and guarantee plan for businesses as well as homeowners and low-income people as seasonal workers, but most like without any satisfactory help. Michie said that measures to support low-income people should be issued 2-3 weeks in advance, rather than waiting until the start of social isolation to announce it.

The British government is having problems persuading people to implement social isolation, the main reason is that they still do not have the experience to intervene extensively.

Need more drastic action

Health Psychologist at Bristol University Emma Emma Anderson suggests that past public health initiatives may provide some suggestions for making recommendations to the public."Without the drastic actions of the state, the 2007 indoor smoking ban would not have been enforced, " Emma said.

'We may not notice it, but it is through these tough measures that people's attitudes and awareness have changed,' Emma said. Changing attitudes can be the key to British acceptance of social isolation.

Kuwaiti people wait for Covid-19 diagnostic test at a medical center.(Photo: Sciencemag).

But the British government is still confused in the policies to protect people. They recommend that people with symptoms of illness should separate themselves at home, while others, especially those older than 70 or with background disease should avoid social contact and gather in crowded places.

However, for people to seriously implement the above recommendations is not as simple as reminders to wash their hands regularly, or to the police patrol the road to call people in the house.

'The simpler the rules, the more easily people will follow. But it will be difficult to obey if only partially blocked, not all , " said Professor of Behavioral Science at LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science) Matteo Galizzi.

To do that, researchers think the government should find ways to influence public thought and consciousness. Especially in times of crisis, people often become panic and imitate the way others deal with them. In other words, if they see someone in the community quarantining themselves against an epidemic, they will tend to act similarly and criticize those who do not do the same.

Another way to encourage people to volunteer at home is to evoke the obligations of every citizen. Adam Olivier, a behavioral economist at London University of Economics, said that during the time when the epidemic affected the entire country, people often thought that now they should do something useful to themselves and whole community. Therefore, stressing the need for social isolation can lead people to voluntarily comply.

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