Many survey participants were concerned about mandatory closure of religious gatherings or organizations during a pandemic, Baum says.

"People use religious worship to manage stress during difficult times and for some communities it is an important way to share information," Baum says.

Participants in all four focus groups discussed lack of trust in how government officials would implement social distancing measures, Baum says. They were skeptical that politicians would do the right thing -- instead they would do what is politically expedient --- and doubted that they would convey accurate information to the public.

What's needed, Baum says, is an intense effort to engage the public in pandemic planning. Policy makers may want to consider incorporating mechanisms for financial support into response plans to alleviate economic worries.

"The kinds of things we're considering asking people to do are very difficult," Jacobson says. "If the public is not engaged, or feels they are not being treated fairly, the less likely they are to comply."

Source: University of Michigan