On behalf of the COSMO consortium, we regularly conduct the data collection for the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO). This study examines how the public perceives the situation regarding the coronavirus. The results are regularly published on the website www.corona-monitor.de (in German).

What is the public’s perception of the risk posed by coronavirus? How does the public’s behaviour evolve over time, for example with regard to the various prevention measures?

In mid-May, we surveyed a nationally representative sample, in the 43rd wave of the study, of our online panel, on behalf of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA), among others.

Even though the case numbers dropped in mid-May, the protection behaviour of the population remains stable. Individuals who have been vaccinated once, as well as those who have been fully vaccinated continue to protect themselves and others by following the common hygiene rules (distance, hygiene, everyday mask, app, ventilation). Among these measures, it is the Corona warning app which is used least often – it is only used by about half of respondents. Refraining from parties, traveling, and visiting public places started before the partial shutdown in November 2020 and remained stable until the end of April. However, since the end of April, a small downward trend started and fewer people adhered to these preventive measures.

The use of rapid antigen testing is now one of the fundamental building blocks in the fight against the pandemic. The proportion of respondents who have already taken a rapid or self-test rose to 68% in mid-May (compared to about 45% in early April). In the event of a positive self-test, 86% say they would isolate themselves and limit their contacts, until it was clear whether their test result was negative. 68% would use another self-test to verify the result. Among professionals who work full or part time in on-site businesses, about just over half of them test one to four times a week. Generally, those who work remotely, take no test or at most one quick test per week.

The detailed results of this study can be found on the corresponding website of the University of Erfurt, including further focal points on the assessment of rapid tests, compliance with hygiene measures and the psychological situation of citizens.