Recent fuel queues have demonstrated the effects of sudden changes in behaviour. The changes that occurred around March 2020's first lockdown were almost as abrupt. Close meetings among people fell by three-quarters. This is evident from the CoMix contact survey by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, which continues to ask UK adults about their direct contact. That's any kind of skin-to-skin or person to whom at most a few words were exchanged in-person. Do you recall how many of these contacts you had yesterday?
People reported that they attended an average of 11 meetings per day before the lockdown. However, this dropped to three after the lockdown and has remained low. Many warned about the dangers of freedom Day on 19 July. Some mathematical modeling estimated that more than 100,000 cases were filed each day. The CoMix survey reveals that there was no exuberant return of socialising, and therefore no subsequent explosion in cases.
The trend data up to 21 September shows that children have a higher average number of contacts after schools were opened. It can reach as high as 10 per day. Adults are less social. The average number of contacts for adults remains at three, even if they work from home. However, the average number of contacts for those who will work is six. This is about half the amount in summer 2020. It also highlights why working from home is a significant part of Plan B.
The self-reported use of masks declined over time, and was then stable in those aged 60+. However, fewer than half the young adults reported using masks in supermarkets. This could be a reflection of your own experience.
The spread of the virus is not affected by laws and guidance. It is the future that is determined by how people behave and what they do.
