In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising cases of coronavirus in the community, the Australian state and federal governments implemented various lockdown measures and directives in order to limit the spread of the virus. Independently of these restrictions, many Australians also made changes to their lives and behaviors in order to mitigate the likelihood of contracting or spreading the virus. In May to June 2020, 94.5 percent of Australians who were surveyed on the household impacts of COVID-19 indicated that they had kept their distance from others. Social distancing behaviors were the most common behavioral changes made by Australians, with just over a quarter indicating that they had worn a facemask.
International visitors to Australia almost completely stopped in the months after Australia’s first case of COVID-19 in January 2020. This was partially due to the federal Government’s restrictions on international travel but many Australians independently chose to change or cancel travel plans. Separate to the Federal Government’s restrictions, most of the state and territory Governments also implemented boarder restrictions of their own, with Western Australia restricting all movement across its boarders.
Leading actions taken by individuals to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community in Australia in 2020
Characteristic
Share of respondents
Kept distance from people
94.5%
Cancelled personal gatherings (e.g. with friends or family)
76.7%
Avoided public spaces (and public events)
75.2%
Self-isolated (stayed at home)
62%
Changed or cancelled travel plans
55.2%
Avoided public transport
53.2%
Purchased additional household supplies
34.5%
Wore a facemask
27.6%
Worked from home
26.5%
Kept children home from school or childcare
22%
Purchased additional medical supplies
17.8%
Sought advice from a medical professional
11.8%
Stopped working (e.g. cancelled shifts)
11.4%
Created with Highcharts 7.2.2Share of respondents94.5%94.5%76.7%76.7%75.2%75.2%62%62%55.2%55.2%53.2%53.2%34.5%34.5%27.6%27.6%26.5%26.5%22%22%17.8%17.8%11.8%11.8%11.4%11.4%3.2%3.2%98.5%98.5%1.5%1.5%Kept distance from peopleCancelled personal gatherings (e.g. with friends or family)Avoided public spaces (and public events)Self-isolated (stayed at home)Changed or cancelled travel plansAvoided public transportPurchased additional household suppliesWore a facemaskWorked from homeKept children home from school or childcarePurchased additional medical suppliesSought advice from a medical professionalStopped working (e.g. cancelled shifts)OtherAt least one of the above actionsNo actions taken
0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%110%
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Australian Bureau of Statistics. (August 10, 2020). Leading actions taken by individuals to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community in Australia in 2020 [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved February 23, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112535/australia-individual-actions-taken-to-stop-the-spread-of-coronavirus/
Australian Bureau of Statistics. "Leading actions taken by individuals to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community in Australia in 2020." Chart. August 10, 2020. Statista. Accessed February 23, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112535/australia-individual-actions-taken-to-stop-the-spread-of-coronavirus/
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2020). Leading actions taken by individuals to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community in Australia in 2020. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: February 23, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112535/australia-individual-actions-taken-to-stop-the-spread-of-coronavirus/
Australian Bureau of Statistics. "Leading Actions Taken by Individuals to Stop The Spread of Covid-19 in The Community in Australia in 2020." Statista, Statista Inc., 10 Aug 2020, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112535/australia-individual-actions-taken-to-stop-the-spread-of-coronavirus/
Australian Bureau of Statistics, Leading actions taken by individuals to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community in Australia in 2020 Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112535/australia-individual-actions-taken-to-stop-the-spread-of-coronavirus/ (last visited February 23, 2025)
Leading actions taken by individuals to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community in Australia in 2020 [Graph], Australian Bureau of Statistics, August 10, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1112535/australia-individual-actions-taken-to-stop-the-spread-of-coronavirus/
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