Coronavirus: Half of Brits want total ban on all overseas travel in bid to stop spread

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03/05/20

Coronavirus: Half of Brits want total ban on all overseas travel in bid to stop spread
A study of 1,000 UK adults found many feel events such as Glastonbury, Cheltenham Festival, FA Cup final and the Grand National should be scrapped to prevent the spread of coronavirus

Half of Brits think ALL travel to and from the UK should be stopped in a bid to halt the spread of coronavirus.

A study of 1,000 UK adults found almost a third are 'very concerned' about the virus, with 73 per cent worried about elderly relatives or those considered to be 'high-risk'.

Just under half (49 per cent) do not believe the Government is doing enough to contain the outbreak.

Many believe all major festivals and sporting events, such as Glastonbury, Cheltenham Festival, FA Cup final and the Grand National should be scrapped to prevent its spread.

More than a quarter of those polled are worried about the effect the virus is going to have on their holiday plans, with 14 per cent thinking about cancelling or changing travel arrangements.Many are changing day-to-day routines as a result of the virus, with 53 per cent washing their hands more often than usual and 40 per cent now using an anti-bacterial hand gel.

Almost a quarter even admitted avoiding handshakes while another 14 per cent are trying to get out of hugging other people.

A spokesman for research firm OnePoll.com, said: "Coronavirus has been in the background of our lives for six weeks, but it's only over the last few days that it's become something many are beginning to take seriously.

"Previously, it was something affecting other countries - many of which most people wouldn't have visited, so it was easy to put to the back of your mind."But with several confirmed cases in the UK - a figure which is only likely to rise - people are now thinking more about the effect the virus could have the UK and their own lives."

The study also found 23 per cent are planning to avoid using public transport while 26 per cent will think twice about attending large public gatherings such as gigs or sporting events.

More than one in 10 are even worried about going to a large family party.

Almost a quarter will avoid seeing friends and family members who have been to a country affected by coronavirus while another 21 per cent will stay away from those who have cold or flu-like symptoms.A third of those polled think Glastonbury Festival should be cancelled in a bid to prevent the virus spreading across the UK, while 33 per cent believe the same about this summer's Olympics.

Almost three in 10 think Euro 2020 should be put on hold and 23 per cent even think Wimbledon should be scrapped.

The Cheltenham Festival, FA Cup final and Grand National are also among the events people think should be cancelled in the wake of the virus taking hold in the UK.

But 24 per cent of Brits think all gigs and concerts should be scrapped while 29 per cent say the same about sporting events.