The Age - We need good information and a little bit of nudging to maintain life-saving momentum

This weekend Australia breathed a collective sigh of relief as some COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Australia is by no means out of the woods but signs are promising and we are in an enviable position internationally. This loosening of restrictions has occurred just in time with widespread reports of people feeling exhausted with lockdown measures.

“Behavioural fatigue” has been much discussed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initial behaviour change has been possible and effective in many countries around the world. But what happens as stringent measures drag out over months or even years? Do previously enthusiastic lockdowners tire of dramatic curbs on their lifestyle and push back against them?