UK Covid‑19 Rules: Who Stopped Following Them?

The COVID‑19 crisis forced the United Kingdom to stop many everyday activities and shut large parts of its economy. Researchers wanted to know how well the public stuck to new rules, especially social distancing, and whether government messages helped people follow them. An online survey asked 1, 028 UK residents about their behaviour in May and June 2020. The data were grouped by age, gender, job type and other factors to spot patterns in rule‑breaking. The analysis showed that most people did not fully comply with distancing guidelines, and a small minority—less than 20 % of respondents—were responsible for the bulk of violations.The study also tested alternative messages that used NUDGE theory, a psychological approach that nudges people toward better choices. When compared to these experimental messages, the official government communication proved more effective at encouraging compliance. Researchers found that certain rules were seen as more serious, so people were less likely to break them. They also identified which demographic groups were least compliant and noted that some individuals had contact with police during the pandemic. The results give useful lessons for future public health crises. By knowing where people are most likely to ignore distancing and which groups need clearer guidance, authorities can design better strategies to keep everyone safer.