September 28, 2020

The report summarises Ofcom’s findings from the 25th week since the start of the UK’s “lockdown” and includes how people’s experiences and behaviour has changed from previous weeks.

In week 25:

• more than eight in ten people (84%) continue to access news about Covid-19 at least once a day, down from a high of 99% in week one;
• over half (55%) of respondents say they feel confident that they understand the statistics about the number of coronavirus cases and deaths. Male respondents were more likely (61%) than female respondents (50%) to say they understand the data;
• traditional media sources (broadcasters, newspapers, radio) remain the most-used source of news and information about Covid-19 (84% in week twenty-five versus 93% in week one); and
• almost a third (31%) of respondents agree with the statement “I am confused about what I should be doing in response to the coronavirus”, up from 17% in week one, but in line with recent weeks.

Alongside this month’s report, Ofcom has published a “deep dive” into its research on people’s experience of misinformation about the pandemic.

The report reveals:

• people aged 25-34 are most likely to come across misinformation (36%) about Covid-19. Those aged 65+ were least likely (21%);
• claims that face masks/coverings are harmful or offer no protection against coronavirus are currently the most common pieces of misinformation that people come across (seen by 28%); and
• theories that the number of deaths linked to coronavirus is much lower than is being reported is the second most common piece of misinformation encountered (by 21% of respondents).

To read Ofcom’s latest research in full, click here.