Less than a third completely understand Covid-19 rules

Fewer than 1 in 3 people (29.1%) say that they 'completely' understand the current UK Covid-19 lockdown rules, find UCL researchers as part of the Covid-19 Social Study. This is at its lowest level since November 2020, when just 1 in 5 said they 'completely' understood the rules, and down on the peak of 35.2% which was reached in February 2021. Despite this, 'majority' understanding of the rules remains high, with just under four fifths (79.2%) of people saying they understand the majority of lockdown rules. Over 9 in 10 (91%) of people also say they are complying with the 'majority' of lockdown rules. In England, understanding of the rules is markedly lower among adults aged 18-29 versus the rest of the population, with 18% of this group reporting complete understanding and 67% majority understanding. This is compared to 32% of those aged 30-59 reporting complete understanding and 82% majority understanding, and 35% of those over 60 reporting complete understanding and 85% majority understanding. As lockdown eases, many people have been taking advantage of the relaxation of rules, with over half (52.1%) of people having left home to meet up with friends or family.