‘Variant fatigue’? Public attitudes to COVID-19 18 months into the pandemic: A qualitative study

Objectives: Qualitative study exploring public attitudes to COVID-19 18 months into the pandemic, specifically focused on adherence to infection-reducing behaviours and policy measures during a period of the emergence of a new variant (Omicron)Study design: Qualitative online focus group study Methods: Focus groups were conducted with a diverse sample of 22 adults in the United Kingdom to explore their views. Data were analysed using a framework approach.Findings: Analysis revealed two main groups based on participants’ perceived concern over Omicron: variant fatigue (n=16 (73%)) and deja vu (n=6 (27%)). Those exhibiting variant fatigue reported not adopting any additional caution or infection-reducing behaviours as a result of the new variant. They tended to describe Omicron as ‘just another variant’ and expressed a need to ‘get on’ and ‘live with’ the virus. Those exhibiting deja vu suggested that Omicron was of additional concern to them and for some posed a threat not seen since ‘last year’ (second wave). No demographic patterns emerged, although there was a high amount of variant fatigue (absence of additional caution) (n=5 (83%)) amongst the unvaccinated participants. Those who were concerned about Omicron tended to report reducing social contacts. Few participants reported taking lateral flow tests regularly, except for those required to by their employers. Stated compliance with facemask rules was high. Nearly all participants stated an intention to comply with any future potential policy measures to reduce transmission of COVID-19, including more stringent measures such as lockdowns. Implications: 18 months into the pandemic, there may be habituation to the risk posed by COVID-19, despite the increased risk posed by the new variant Omicron. Due to this risk habituation (‘variant fatigue’) and due to a general decline in engagement with news related to COVID-19, many people may not be, or might be reluctant to, voluntarily adopt additional caution and infection-reducing behaviours. This poses a challenge for public health communication, since a sense of being ‘relaxed’ about, or ‘living with’ COVID-19 may undermine efforts to encourage voluntary adherence to infection-reducing behaviours. However, findings suggest that most people intend to comply (albeit reluctantly) with policy measures (as opposed to ‘advice’)- including stringent measures such as lockdown - if they were required in future.