Podcasts

Why Threatening People With Fines Won't Stop Covid Spreading

It's been revealed that the Government will be introducing fines for non-compliance on a number of Covid-19 measures including not wearing a face covering on places like public transport and in shops. But will it actually work? A study on human behaviour has found that there's a better chance of people adhering to the guidelines if we're told of the positive outcomes that could come from it. Speaking to Dermot and Dave, Dr Hannah Durand, iCARE collaborator and behavioural science researcher at NUI Galway explained how recent research coming from the college as part of a global study on public attitudes towards the virus has shown that people are less likely to engage with the advice coming from Governments if it comes under the threat of punishment. Dr Durand explained that while fatigue is setting in massively around things like social distancing and hand-hygiene, behaviour can be changed by showing success when it happens. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2020/10/12131441/BehaviouralCovid_Podcast_1210.mp3"][/audio] see more