Researchers found that when people are presented with the idea of COVID-19 “immunity passports,” they are less willing to follow precautions such as social distancing and face masks. Interestingly, their willingness returned when they read more cautious information about immunity, while those who read incautious immunity information showed even lower intentions for taking precautionary measures.
Cautious information stresses that a past infection does not equal immunity whereas incautious information says that past infection does equal immunity.
In addition, when researchers asked participants from the U.S. and U.K. to imagine that they were infected with coronavirus, it resulted in more people practicing good hygiene and social distancing.
"People who suspect they have previously had COVID-19 show less willingness to follow pandemic guidelines, presumably because they assume they have become immune to the virus since they were infected,” said lead researcher Ricky Green.
"This research suggests that early public announcements surrounding immunity passports, without prefacing them with cautious information about the unclear evidence on COVID-19 immunity, may have undermined efforts to promote virus-mitigating behaviors. Focusing on 'acting like you have it' appears to be helpful in encouraging better public behavior."
SOURCE: ScienceDaily June 16, 2021