WHO: People are sick and tired of the epidemic – Are you?

According to the World Health Organisation, Europe got tired of the coronavirus epidemic, which means that people are getting more and more demotivated and ignore the epidemic rules and measures. At this stage of the epidemic, the WHO states that this phenomenon is understandable, and countries need to think carefully about introducing new restrictions. 

24 reported that a new word was introduced to the world because of the coronavirus epidemic, and that is pandemic fatigue. It means that many people around the world cannot stand anymore the measures and restrictions (mask-wearing, social distancing, avoiding crowded places) introduced because of the epidemic, even though the second wave of the epidemic is getting stronger and stronger in the world. The epidemic could only end with the introduction of a coronavirus vaccine, but until that moment, restrictions and measures remain in place. The main problem is that after six months, people are getting more impatient, and many of them do not pay attention to pandemic rules anymore. The WHO stated that European citizens are drastically losing their patience and motivation to pay attention to mask-wearing, social distancing, and other rules. Therefore, governments need to pay attention to avoid a catastrophe.

According to the definition, pandemic fatigue is being demotivated to obey the coronavirus measures and restrictions, and it is influenced by experiences, emotions, and interactions.

The phenomenon is natural. When the epidemic broke out in spring, everyone was stressed and scared and did everything to protect themselves and other people as the break-out of an epidemic was new to everyone. Since no change has happened since then, getting used to a new life form made people exhausted and impatient. It does not mean that the number of people who deny the existence of the epidemic increased, but the attitude towards the coronavirus has changed in a negative direction. 

Demotivation is mainly influenced by the fact that people got used to the existence of the virus and accepted that it is a part of their everyday lives. Also, as many people lost their jobs during the spring season, now people are more interested in earning a living and keeping their jobs no matter what it takes. The WHO reported that around 60% of the people all around the world are demotivated.

Pandemic fatigue results in not only demotivation but also insomnia, eating disorders, stress, and constant worrying, especially among the members of the younger generation who need to interact with people. For the lack of a better example, it does not matter that pubs and clubs close at 11 pm in Hungary, as all the parties start earlier to have enough time to have fun. 

The psychological background of the problem is simple: people need to control their own lives. Once someone takes it away (governmental orders), they start to resist. The WHO also highlighted that what people cannot do is no longer important, the emphasis is on how to adjust to restrictions differently.

For example, Israel opened a cinema where people can watch movies from a boat in a lake, being socially distanced from other people. In Prague, the Pride Festival was not postponed but held online, allowing thousands of people to take part in a fun event from their own homes. The WHO added that pandemic fatigue can be overcome, but the mentality of governments and people need to change. 

• Coronavirus
• Coronavirus in Hungary

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