Worried Britons obey PM's order to 'stay at home' amid Covid lockdown as anxiety hits highest level since April
Britons obeyed the PM's order to 'stay at home' as the latest lockdown began, but anxiety hit the highest level since the virus was running riot last Spring.
The latest social indicators showed 62 per cent claimed they had either remained indoors or only gone out for 'essential' reasons last week.
That was significantly above than the 41 per cent over Christmas, and the largest proportion since last May.
Meanwhile, anxiety was at a peak not seen since last April, with 42 per cent of adults reporting they were suffering.
The latest social indicators showed 62 per cent claimed they had either remained indoors or only gone out for 'essential' reasons last week
Asked to score their anxiety from zero to 10, the average was 4.6. That was the highest since April 3 to 13, when the score was 4.9
The Office for National Statistics carried out its latest survey between January 7 and 10, with people saying they were less happy, less satisfied with their lives overall, and less likely to feel things they are doing are worthwhile.
Asked to score their anxiety from zero to 10, the average was 4.6. That was the highest since April 3 to 13, when the score was 4.9 and 46 per cent were highly anxious.
The fall in wellbeing coincided with the start of England's third national lockdown, announced on January 4, when people were told to stay at home.
Similar steps were announced for Scotland on January 4 while Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford extended restrictions to the whole nation earlier on December 19.
The ONS analysed responses from 3,833 people as part of its Opinions and Lifestyle Survey to understand the impact of Covid-19 on society.
It found that 56 per cent said their wellbeing is affected by the pandemic, up from 53 per cent the previous week, and 27 per cent said they feel lonely often, always or some of the time, up slightly from the previous week.
More than three quarters (78 per cent) said they felt very or somewhat worried about the effect of coronavirus on their lives.
Very small numbers also reported leaving home to meet up with others in a public space - 6 per cent - or personal space - 4 per cent.
The Office for National Statistics carried out its latest survey between January 7 and 10, with people saying they were less happy, less satisfied with their lives overall, and less likely to feel things they are doing are worthwhile
The ONS said some of this activity may also have taken place before the new lockdown was introduced.
Tim Vizard, principal research officer at the ONS, said: 'This week, more people are telling us that they are staying at home compared with previous weeks, and fewer of us are meeting up with family and friends outside home.
'We are still seeing a high level of compliance with measures such as wearing face coverings and social distancing.
'However, we are also seeing a rise in those saying they are experiencing anxiety, which is back at levels last seen in April 2020.'