Majority of citizens ‘do not take virus threat seriously’ — survey

AMMAN — The majority of Jordanians “do not take coronavirus seriously”, according to a survey carried out by the Directorate of Health Awareness and Information, affiliated to the Ministry of Health. 

The survey categorised respondents into two groups: The first believes that the novel coronavirus is “a lie or conspiracy”, while the other “denies the existence of the virus”, the Jordan News Agency Petra, reported. 

The poll, carried out between August 13 and 15, showed that 76 per cent of the participants believe that the public do not take the risk of the COVID-19 seriously. 

The percentage was “high” compared with the results of a previous survey conducted some five months ago that showed 40 per cent of respondents not taking the dangers of the virus seriously.

The results also showed that 43 per cent of respondents do not take the coronavirus seriously, compared with 57 per cent who doubt the existence of the epidemic and 8 per cent who are “fully convinced that the virus is a lie and a conspiracy”.

Regarding adherence to preventive measures, the survey results showed that 44 per cent of respondents claimed that they are “strongly committed to wearing face masks”, while 33 per cent said they are “strongly committed to physical distancing and avoiding social and family gatherings”.