Monitoring and Analyzing Preventive Behavior

In our weekly online survey, the respondents indicate on a scale of 1 = “not consistent at all” to 5 = “very consistent” how consistently they engage in the various prevention behaviors. The figure shows the proportion of those who indicate that they engage in the respective behavior consistently or very consistently (scale points 4 and 5). The shaded area indicates the 95% confidence interval. The figure also contains the total number of all active SwissCovid apps per day as determined by the Federal Office of Information Technology, Systems, and Telecommunication (FOITT). The figures are rounded to 10,000 and are also available on the website of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office.

Reading example: In the first week of the survey (week 37, Sep 07–13, 2020), 60% of the respondents stated that they wear masks consistently or very consistently in situations where it is not possible to keep a distance. Fifty-two percent of the Swiss population stated that they consistently or very consistently keep their distance from people who do not live in their own household. At that time, between 1.6 million and 1.65 million SwissCovid apps were active.

Until week 44, we asked whether masks were also worn in situations where it was not obligatory, but no distance could be kept. In accordance with the regulation of the Federal Council, mask wearing was obligatory from week 45 onwards in all situations where no distance can be kept. The wording of the survey question had to be adapted accordingly. The change between weeks 44 and 45 can therefore also be method-related and should only be interpreted with appropriate caution.

In our weekly online survey, the respondents indicate how important they consider selected prevention behavior on a scale of 1 = “not important at all” to 5 = “very important.” The figure shows the proportion of those who say that the respective prevention behavior is important or very important (scale points 4 and 5). The colored, shaded area indicates the 95% confidence interval.

Reading example: In the first week of the survey (week 37, Sep 07–13, 2020), 63% of the Swiss stated that they find mask wearing important or very important in situations where it is not possible to keep a distance. Sixty-seven percent of the Swiss population find it important to keep a distance from people who do not live in their own household, and 45% think it is important to use the SwissCovid app.

In our weekly online survey, the respondents indicate on a scale of 1 = “very unlikely” to 5 = “very likely” how likely they would be to get vaccinated if a vaccination against the coronavirus were available. The figure shows the percentage of those who would likely or very likely be vaccinated (scale points 4 and 5) or who stated that they have already been vaccinated (from CW 05, see graph on vaccination willingness). In addition, consent to three further preventive measures was asked on a 5-point scale. Here, too, the proportion of the population that tends to agree or fully agrees with the statements is shown (scale points 4 and 5). Quarantine: The willingness to go into quarantine as soon as possible in the event of a positive Covid-19 test result. Testing: To be tested as soon as possible if symptoms are detected. Contact tracing: After a diagnosis, ensure or support that all persons who may have been infected are informed.

Reading example: In the first week of the survey (week 37, Sep 07–13, 2020), 38% of the respondents stated that they would refuse a vaccination if a vaccination against the coronavirus was currently available. Forty-five percent would likely or very likely be vaccinated.

In our weekly online survey, the respondents indicate on a scale of 1 = “very unlikely” to 5 = “very likely” how likely they would be to get vaccinated if a vaccination against the coronavirus were available. The figure shows the percentage of those who would likely or very likely be vaccinated (scale points 4 and 5). The figure distinguishes between those declining, for whom vaccination is “very unlikely” or “unlikely” (scale points 1 and 2), those undecided, who choose the middle scale point (scale point 3), and those willing, for whom vaccination is “likely” or “very likely” (scale points 4 and 5).

Reading example: In the first week of the survey (week 37, Sep 07–13, 2020), 45% of the respondents stated that they would probably or very probably get vaccinated if a vaccination against the coronavirus was currently available. 38% were (rather) against it and 17% were undecided.

Every week, we record the number of media articles related to the coronavirus pandemic. We use automated content analysis to measure the number of media articles that are related to one of the four prevention measures. The figure presents the number of articles related to the prevention measures.

Reading example: In the first week of the survey (week 37, Sep 07–13, 2020), a total of 504 articles on the coronavirus pandemic were recorded, which dealt with the prevention measure of wearing face masks. In the same period, 316 articles on the prevention measure of vaccination were recorded.