The vaccination rates in the United Kingdom and New Zealand are now very similar; with double vaccinations sitting at 65% and 67% respectively.
Yet the COVID measures in place in each country are still wildly different.
In the UK, there are practically no restrictions. There are no quarantines, mask mandates, vaccine passports, and no restrictions on the freedom of movement.
In New Zealand, the opposite is true (at least in some way shape or form) for all of the above.
I was discussing this with a friend over the weekend and the idea of societal tolerance came up: how willing are people in a given country to comply with the rules set out by their governments?
Perhaps it’s due to COVID fatigue, but having seen the UK live without restrictions for the better part of 6 months, it’s inconceivable to think of this country going back into to any sort of lockdown.
Whereas in New Zealand, a slow and cautious rollout seems to be the only thing on the roadmap ahead.
There are a few behavioural economists that read this blog, and I’d love to hear your thoughts, as I certainly have more questions than I do answers.