Poll finds UK citizens least supportive of closing borders to stop coronavirus
A man and woman wearing protective face masks on a bus in London. Picture: Yui Mok/PA - Credit: PA
A majority of people across 12 different countries believe that the borders should be closed in their country to stop the coronavirus, but British people are the least supportive.
A survey of 12,000 people across 12 major countries over the last week found that Asia was the most supportive of border closures, led by people in India (79%) and Vietnam (78%).
More than three in four people in the world's other COVID-19 hot spot, Italy (76%), also agree that borders should be closed, followed by those in China (73%), and Russia (70%).
The poll, conducted by Ipsos MORI, found that people in the UK were the least supportive of closing the borders, but still supported the measure by a slim majority of 51%.
A significant driver in the growth for concern is the fear someone we know will be infected by the virus.
You may also want to watch:
The majority of people in Vietnam (67%), the United Kingdom (57%), India, Australia and Japan (51%) think someone close to them will get the coronavirus.
The countries with the biggest jump in this measure compared to a poll three weeks ago are all countries with developed health care systems – the UK (+31 points), Australia (+29), and Canada (+28).
Most Read
- 1 Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid reject Boris Johnson's coronavirus claim
- 2 Sky News presenter says Boris Johnson is 'gaslighting the nation' over Covid claims
- 3 Nigel Farage reminded of claim that 'acid test of Brexit' surrounds fishing after clip resurfaces
- 4 Pro-Brexit fishing campaigner says Boris Johnson's deal has left her with 'no fish'
- 5 Home Office launches voluntary repatriation scheme for EU nationals
- 6 PMQs: Boris Johnson calls for apology from Keir Starmer over coronavirus stances
- 7 Jeremy Corbyn loses bid to release Labour documents ahead of High Court battle
- 8 Brussels politician says Boris Johnson should 'pay for EU workers to stay' in UK
- 9 Boris Johnson is the 'worst PM' and should resign, says Alastair Campbell
- 10 European parliament agrees to add British overseas territories to post-Brexit tax haven blacklist
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.