Only 7% think people will stick to new rules
JUST seven per cent of Leicestershire residents believe people will stick to the new lockdown rules, according to a new survey.
This statistic came to light following an online survey by our sister paper the Leicester Mercury asking people what they thought of the reimposed lockdown on the city and some neighbouring areas.
In total, 3,436 people responded to the survey, and just 247 of them believed people would pay attention to the rules.
One person who responded to the survey said: “I don’t feel people will follow the rules.
“There are too many words like ‘suggest’ and ‘recommend’ from the government which people will take advantage of.”
The survey also revealed just 28 per cent of respondents believed the government was handling the situation in Leicester well.
One responded to the survey with: “I am not sure how this [lockdown] will be policed, how will they stop people moving in and out of the city?
“I wonder if Leicester is being used as an example of what will happen to other places if cases go up.
“The government have handled this badly. There should have been a clear plan in place before this was leaked or published. It’s a stressful time already for individuals and businesses and this has caused additional stress over the weekend and we still don’t know what it actually means.”
Despite a lot of ill feelings towards the government and a lack of faith in people to follow it, three-quarters of those surveyed said they supported the new lockdown.
When asked why they thought cases had risen, many said it was due to people not following guidelines, or social distancing. One person specifically suggested protests, people not wearing masks, and reopening of shops and schools were to blame for the rise in cases. They said: “Kids having gone back to school has given people a false sense of security that they can mix with other kids, and therefore families.”
Out of those surveyed, 58 per cent said they understood how the lockdown would affect them, and 25 per cent said they travelled outside of the city for work. Despite overwhelming support for a new lockdown, 72 per cent said they were concerned about the effect lockdown will have on businesses.
However, many said the effect on businesses is a sacrifice the city would have to make to bounce back.
One said: “People have not been sticking to the rules. Shops and streets have been packed with large numbers, who do not social distance. A few weeks adhering to the rules will result in more businesses being able to open and the economy bouncing back. A few weeks of sacrifice for a lifetime of freedom.”
Another said: “This will be a good way to make Leicester residents understand the importance of social distancing and reducing the spread of the virus.
“As for businesses, people’s health is much more important right now than a business’ loss.”
A few weeks adhering to the rules will result in more businesses being able to open