A survey undertaken by the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ’s) Centre for Social Change and the Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC’s) Developmental, Capable and Ethical State division, on Thursday revealed an increase in unnecessary risk of exposure to coronavirus (Covid-19) during the lower lockdown levels.

According to the survey, there is growing pandemic fatigue and greater complacency.

The survey was conducted through an online survey using the popular #datafree Moya Messenger app, which has 2-million active users.

The survey revealed that four in ten adults believe the threat of Covid-19 is exaggerated, while one in three adults do not always wear a mask when leaving home. In early April only 37% wore a mask when they went out.

“Our survey shows that frequent feelings of fear remained at a consistently high level from April through July, ranging between 44 % and 47%. However, this fell to 31% during August and early September. While nonetheless high, this is a considerable decline, and is of importance when considering parallel changes in risk perception measures,” they said.

Meanwhile, trust in President Cyril Ramaphosa has also declined 20%, which the researchers say is important as there was strong evidence to suggest that trust in government had an important bearing on general compliance with public health measures.