Coronavirus beliefs in Great Britain 2020

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	5%
Eating garlic can help prevent coronavirus	4%
Children cannot catch coronavirus	3%
Cocaine can help prevent coronavirus	1%

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Release date

March 2020

More information

Region

United Kingdom (Great Britain)

Survey time period

March 24 to March 25, 2020

Number of respondents

2,099 respondents

Age group

18 years and older

Special properties

GB Adults

Method of interview

Online survey

Supplementary notes

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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