One in four people are refusing to change their behaviour as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, according to a new YouGov poll for Sky News which suggests a majority remain relaxed about the fallout.

YouGov asked people how the coronavirus outbreak had led people to change their behaviour.

Some 61% said they had improved personal hygiene, 27% said they were avoiding contact with people who seem to have the flu and 24% said they were avoiding crowded public places.

Key Points

Mass gatherings in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers

in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers The London Marathon is among a number of sporting events cancelled

is among a number of sporting events cancelled Anyone entering New Zealand will have to self-isolate for 14 days

will have to self-isolate for 14 days US President Donald Trump has declared the outbreak a national emergency

has declared the outbreak a More than 145,000 cases and almost 5,500 deaths have been declared worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University

Italy recorded 250 cases in a day, bringing its total to almost 18,000

However, 25% said they had done none of the above despite the prime minister repeatedly urging people to improve their personal hygiene because of the impact on the spread of the disease.


Men were much more likely to say they were not modifying their behaviour than women, by 29% to 21%.

This reflects an underlying calm about the condition. Some 38% said they were scared, but 59% said they were not scared of catching coronavirus, the day after the prime minister said that loved ones would die early as a result of it spreading. The poll was taken on Thursday and Friday.

The public broadly back the UK government response to the crisis to date. It found 55% of people said the government was doing well, but 30% said the response was going badly.

The public were asked what they wanted the government to do to help fight coronavirus.

Some 66% want the government to encourage companies to allow people to work from home, while 56% want the government to cancel large sporting events, concerts and other large events.

PM: 'Many more families will lose loved ones'

However only 34% want the government to temporarily close schools.

YouGov interviewed 2,287 GB adults on March 12 and 13.