ABSTRACT

Physical distancing (also commonly known as social distancing) is an important non-pharmaceutical strategy to minimise the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus. A range of restrictions to promote physical distancing form a key part of the Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) all-of-government response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of physical distancing strategies is highly dependent on buy-in and the actions of individuals, households and communities. This NZ population survey was conducted to identify people’s views on the effectiveness of various strategies, and factors impacting on their capacity to follow physical distancing requirements during Alert Levels 4, 3, and 2 (April 24th–June 8th 2020). The majority of the 2407 participants were supportive of the public health measures implemented to promote physical distancing across Alert Levels. Few substantial differences were observed in relation to demographic characteristics, suggesting high overall levels of understanding and willingness to adhere to distancing requirements. Around half of the participants reported difficulties practicing physical distancing when in public. Reasons included being an essential worker and challenges related to the behaviour of others. These survey findings highlight the willingness of NZ’s population to play their part in eliminating COVID-19 transmission, and the way in which behavioural change was rapidly adopted in line with government requirements.

摘要

物理疏远（也通常称为社交疏远）是一种重要的非药物策略，可最大程度地降低SARS-CoV-2病毒传播的风险。一系列促进身体距离的限制措施是新西兰奥特罗阿（NZ）政府间针对全球COVID-19大流行的应对措施的重要组成部分。物理疏远策略的有效性高度取决于买入以及个人，家庭和社区的行为。进行此新西兰人口调查的目的是确定人们对各种策略的有效性的看法，以及影响其在4级，3级和2级警报（2020年4月24日至6月8日）中遵循身体距离要求的能力的因素。2407名参与者中的大多数支持为促进跨警戒级别的身体距离而实施的公共卫生措施。几乎没有观察到与人口特征有关的实质性差异，这表明人们对理解要求的总体了解水平较高，并且愿意遵守不断变化的要求。大约有一半的参与者报告说，在公共场所进行身体疏远有困难。原因包括成为基本工作者，以及与他人行为有关的挑战。这些调查结果突显了新西兰人口愿意在消除COVID-19传播中发挥作用，以及根据政府要求迅速采取行为改变的方式。表示总体了解水平高，并愿意遵守不断变化的要求。大约有一半的参与者报告说，在公共场所进行身体疏远有困难。原因包括成为基本工作者，以及与他人行为有关的挑战。这些调查结果突显了新西兰人口愿意在消除COVID-19传播中发挥作用，以及根据政府要求迅速采取行为改变的方式。表示总体了解水平高，并愿意遵守不断变化的要求。大约有一半的参与者报告说，在公共场所进行身体疏远有困难。原因包括成为基本工作者，以及与他人行为有关的挑战。这些调查结果突显了新西兰人口愿意在消除COVID-19传播中发挥作用，以及根据政府要求迅速采取行为改变的方式。