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 October/November 2021, we surveyed in the waves 54-55 of the study a nationally representative sample, of our online panel, on behalf of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA), among others.

Since the end of September, there has been an increase in the perceived risk of infection – however, this tends to occur among vaccinated persons. Protective behaviour (hygiene, everyday mask, app, ventilation) remains stable overall, but with a slight downward trend since the peak of the 3rd wave. Avoidance behaviour (avoidance of groups, crowding, enclosed spaces) declined somewhat more markedly. Currently, 45% avoid public places, 47% avoid parties and 62% avoid travelling.

Among the unvaccinated, 7% say they are willing to be vaccinated in principle. 29% are hesitant and 64% reject vaccination. Currently, only 29.7% of the respondents are in favour of a general vaccination obligation. Among those who have been vaccinated, 62% approve of compulsory vaccination. The support for compulsory vaccination for certain occupational groups ranges from 60% (for police officers) to 71% (for doctors).

What individual concerns plague the population most in connection with the Corona crisis? Concerns about the cohesion of society currently weigh the most. Concerns about one’s own financial situation are stable at a rather low level, while the health system and one’s own health are again causing increased concern. Supporters of the Corona measures are most concerned about their own health and the health of close people as well as about the health care system. Those opposed to the Corona measures are more concerned about the economy (about the existence of small businesses, about a recession and that society will be restricted in the long term), about their own financial situation, about growing differences between rich and poor, and about increasing selfishness.

The detailed results of this study can be found on the corresponding website of the University of Erfurt, including further focuses on vaccinations, willingness to vaccinate and the corresponding motives, as well as on trust in the federal government and the institutions of the health care system.