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Pandemic fatigue Reinvigorating the public to prevent COVID-19 Policy framework for supporting pandemic prevention and management 4 Pandemic fatigue Executive summary Despite documented public support for pandemic Responding to a request from Member States for support response strategies across the WHO European Region, in this field, this document provides a framework for the Member States are reporting signs of pandemic fatigue planning and implementation of national and subnational in their populations – here defined as distress which can strategies to maintain and reinvigorate public support to result in demotivation to follow recommended protective prevent COVID-19. behaviours, emerging gradually over time and affected by a number of emotions, experiences and perceptions. Pandemic fatigue is an expected and natural response to a prolonged public health crisis – not least because While pandemic fatigue is an individual reaction, the severity and scale of the COVID-19 pandemic have governments acknowledge their responsibility to address called for the implementation of invasive measures with the factors that lead to fatigue. unprecedented impacts on the daily lives of everyone. Protective Opportunity Capability behaviours Motivation Fatigue The framework is intended to We propose four key strategies for governments to support pandemic prevention and maintain and reinvigorate public support for protective management. behaviours. Given the complex nature of pandemic fatigue, a multifactorial action plan is needed. Actions must be based on the barriers and drivers Understand people. Collect and use Engage people as part of the experienced by people, and must be evidence for targeted, tailored and solution. Find ways to meaningfully implemented in an integrated way effective policies, interventions and involve individuals and communities across all levels of society. communication. at every level. Strategies to maintain and reinvigorate public support must be informed by public health, societal, cultural and economic Allow people to live their lives, Acknowledge and address the considerations, and must ensure but reduce risk. Wide-ranging hardship people experience and the that no one is left behind. restrictions may not be feasible for profound impact the pandemic has everyone in the long run. had on their lives. Pandemic fatigue 5 For any initiative, policy or communication aiming to maintain and reinvigorate public support for protective behaviours, we propose five cross-cutting principles. Be transparent by sharing reasons Be as consistent as possible in Strive for predictability in behind restrictions and any messages and actions, and avoid unpredictable circumstances, for changes made to them, and by conflicting measures. example, by using objective criteria acknowledging the limits of science for restrictions and any changes and government. made to them. Coordinate to avoid mixed messages across experts and Strive for the highest possible level spokespeople. of fairness in recommendations and restrictions. As a quick list of concrete actions, we propose the following. Think local. Reach out to civil Prepare safe solutions for Appeal to people rather than society groups and ask them to find upcoming national celebrations blame, scare or threaten them. creative ways of motivating their where people gather across Recognize that everyone is members and peers. geographies and generations. Engage contributing. individuals, workplaces, public transportation systems, the retail sector, retirement homes and more in In every workplace, school, discussions about ways to reduce risk. Be clear, precise and predictable. university, youth club and Provide clear recommendations. Use simple and digestible info- more, talk to users. Ask them graphics as an effective way of how they would like to implement communicating restrictions and risks – recommended behaviours. Ask them and how they are related. what support they need from you. Understand which measures may be unbearable in the long term. Amend or balance such restrictions with other measures (economic, Conduct regular qualitative