More than half of people do not think the Government has handled the coronavirus pandemic well, a survey suggests, as ministers are urged to clarify guidance with winter approaching.
The Health Foundation’s latest polling data, which is based on a July survey of 2,246 people, shows that 56% think the Government has not handled Covid-19 well, compared to 39% in May.
When asked about their views on the different measures the Government has taken to tackle the pandemic, significantly fewer people feel the Government’s response is about right (40%) than in May (58%).
Similarly, 50% now feel the measures the Government has taken do not go far enough and more should be done, compared to 37% in May, the survey found.
Nearly four in five think the guidance on wearing face masks on public transport is clear (78%), but only 44% think official advice on who and how many people you can meet is clear, with 54% thinking the advice is unclear.
Dr Jennifer Dixon, chief executive of the Health Foundation, said: “Managing the pandemic is a complex and changing task, but this survey shows declining public confidence in how the Government is handling the situation.
“The survey shows the public are willing to support further measures to reduce the impact of the pandemic, but many are still unclear on what precautions they need to take.
“Increasing confidence in and clarity from the Government will be critical as we face further risks from Covid-19 this winter.”
