MORE than a fifth of people in Northern Ireland have admitted they have become less cautious about social distancing guidelines and more relaxed about hand washing in recent weeks.
Eight months into the pandemic, as restrictions in the north continue to be tightened amid a rising number of positive Covid-19 cases, it was found that 21 per cent of people have relaxed their own approach to coronavirus.
A survey 'The Continuing Impact of Covid on Attitudes & Behaviours', which was carried out by Cognisense, also found that 85 per cent of people in Northern Ireland are concerned about the rising number of cases while 78 per cent are worried that people are becoming " too relaxed about adhering to guidelines and restrictions".
Carried out between September 11 and September 25, the survey also found that 39 per cent of people revealed that if they arrived at a shop to do a quick message, but had forgotten a mask, they would "take the risk and enter without it".
Furthermore, 69 per cent of people would like to see the PSNI deal with Covid breaches "more firmly".
There were also concerns raised about how the pandemic will affect Christmas with two thirds of people revealing they are worried about Covid-19 will affect celebrations with family and friends.
Half of those surveyed said they planned to spend less on Christmas while 65 per cent said they were more likely to do more online shopping this year.
Meanwhile, 63 per cent of Northern Ireland adults said they would be prepared to get a vaccine for Coronavirus if one became available.
