Going back to the terrace, to the theater, to the gym, to walk around without a mask, to party without looking at your watch … In recent weeks, France has found a semblance of life before, with the gradual lifting of restrictions. Since June 17, the mask is no longer mandatory outside and for a week, the French have no longer been constrained by a curfew.
However, if these reliefs are seen as a relief for some, many remain on their guard. In any case, these are the lessons that can be drawn from our latest YouGov health barometer *, produced in partnership with Doctissimo. Every month, since November 2020, 20 minutes thus probes the knowledge and behavior of French people vis-à-vis Covid-19.
61% of French people fear a new wave
The striking figure of this barometer, and which says how the time of recklessness is not yet relevant, concerns the future: 61% of French people fear a resurgence of the epidemic. In more detail, 13% anticipate a fourth wave this summer, 48% in September… and only 8% think that there will be no rise in contamination. “It makes sense to have this perspective, because a new wave is possible, admits Pierre Parneix, Doctor of Public Health and Hospital Hygiene at the Bordeaux University Hospital. But know when exactly … We can read a pragmatic vision: people have acquired knowledge of the uncertainty linked to this coronavirus capable of multiple mutations. And they are still continually showered with not very reassuring international news. “
The extremely rapid diffusion of the Delta variant in the United Kingdom or in Portugal indeed leaves a screed of lead. “We must still take advantage of this period of calm, advises Pierre Parneix. If this concern is transformed into vaccine impetus, so much the better. If it spoils the summer, it’s a shame ”.
63% of French people continue to wear the mask outdoors
Another illustration of current mistrust: the mask. Jean Castex surprised the French on June 16 with (for once) good news. He then announced that in view of the low circulation of the virus, the wearing of the mask was lifted outside (and not inside), with exceptions (groups, queues, markets, stadiums…). A decision that does not convince everyone. In fact, still according to our barometer, 20% of French people disapprove of this reduction. Even more surprisingly, 63% of those questioned continue to wear the mask outdoors, even when it is not compulsory. And one in four say they do it systematically. “Figures not necessarily expected, admits the doctor. This reflects anxiety. “
How to explain it? The announcement is not old at first, and finally, after three lockdowns and thousands of canceled plans, some find it difficult to be completely reassured. “It is not inconsistent, we are coming out of a long period of very anxiety,” continues the doctor. Is it good worry or over-caution? People can be confident: if the epidemic decreases, we can limit the constraints. Provided that people wear the mask where it is mandatory. He sees the positive side. “The risk of being contaminated, however small, persists. So you have to keep certain barrier measures: distance from someone you don’t know, good hand hygiene. Stopping masks outdoors does not mean stopping everything. “
From there to think that the French will be more receptive to preventive measures in the future? “Public health should emerge stronger from this crisis,” enthuses Pierre Parneix. If the context were to improve, we will see next winter how people will adhere to the influenza vaccination, if they continue to wear the mask in transport, if we keep the gel dispensers in the streets. We have made a huge leap forward. We will take a step back, of course, but to what extent? “
23% went back to the cinema, 13% to a gym
Last sign that reluctance remains numerous: the French, after eight months of cultural scarcity, are not rushing into dark rooms. Only 23% returned to the cinema or the theater, and 13% to sports halls. And we do not see a huge difference in relation to age: this concerns 36% of 18-24 year olds for culture and 23% for sports halls. The only “leisure” that attracts more crowds, restaurants: 59% of people questioned have offered a dinner, including 76% of 18-24 year olds. “What is surprising is that we might think that they would be more reluctant to go to restaurants, where we do not wear a mask, than to the cinema, where it is very secure,” continues Pierre Parneix. I think that the restaurant was more of a lack than the cinema, because you have access to a lot of films at home. Moreover, the restaurant owners assure that the first weeks, it was madness, with people who ate standing up, in the rain … “
The doctor believes that the French have been able to “get used to” going out at night. “We see it in the world of work, some have adopted teleworking. Not to mention that not all theaters were able to reopen while respecting the gauges and restrictions. And that the prices of cultural outings remain a drag for some. Who do not necessarily want to lock themselves in a dark room in June, after months of hibernation. “Wearing a slightly long mask can also be a brake”, concludes the public health doctor.
* The survey was carried out on 1,005 people representative of the French national population aged 18 and over. The survey was carried out online, on the YouGov France proprietary panel from June 22 to 23, 2021.