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Abstract
As of May 14, masks will no longer be required to be worn in indoor public places such as businesses, schools and daycares. It will continue to be required in public transportation, hospitals, medical clinics and CHSLDs. A survey conducted by the Institut national de santé publique du Québec from April 15 to 27 shows that two-thirds of respondents still intend to continue wearing the mask. But in reality, how will Quebecers react? What will be their motivations? How can we ensure that they make informed choices based on their circumstances and the objective risk factors they - and those around them - face? And how do we avoid the ostracization of those who will continue to wear the mask? Research inspired by experimental economics provides insight into the role that awareness and improved knowledge of the real risks associated with COVID-19 can play in people's intentions and reactions following the implementation - or removal - of various measures. This short text presents the results of two experimental studies conducted in the specific context of the reopening of schools in September 2020. These studies allow us to draw two main conclusions about the social acceptability of health measures and individual choices in the face of the pandemic: It is essential to provide valid, accurate, and simple sources of information to inform and reassure the population about the risks of developing COVID-19, without causing "cognitive overload." Simple awareness tools, clear and evidence-based information can have an impact on people's perceptions and choices when it comes to their health or that of their loved ones. Dès le 14 mai, le port du masque ne sera plus obligatoire dans les lieux publics intérieurs comme les commerces, les écoles et les services de garde. Il continuera d’être exigé dans les transports en commun, les hôpitaux, les cliniques médicales et les CHSLD. Un sondage de l’Institut national de santé publique du Québec mené du 15 au 27 avril révèle que les deux tiers des personnes interrogées ont quand même l’intention de continuer de porter le masque. Mais dans les faits, comment les Québécoises et Québécois réagiront-ils ? Quelles seront leurs motivations ? Comment s’assurer qu’ils font des choix éclairés en fonction de leur situation et des facteurs de risque objectifs auxquels eux-mêmes — et les gens qui les entourent — font face ? Et comment éviter l’ostracisation de ceux et celles qui continueront de porter le masque ? La recherche inspirée de l’économie expérimentale permet de mieux comprendre le rôle que peuvent jouer la sensibilisation et l’amélioration des connaissances sur les risques réels reliés à la COVID-19 dans les intentions des gens et leurs réactions à la suite de la mise en place — ou le retrait — de diverses mesures. Ce court texte présente les résultats de deux études expérimentales réalisées dans le contexte particulier de la réouverture des écoles en septembre 2020. Ces études permettent de tirer deux principaux enseignements sur l’acceptabilité sociale des mesures sanitaires et des choix individuels face à la pandémie : Il est essentiel de proposer des sources d’informations valides, précises et simples pour informer et rassurer la population à propos des risques de développer la COVID-19, sans pour autant provoquer de « surcharge cognitive ». Des outils simples de sensibilisation, des informations claires et fondées sur des données probantes peuvent avoir un impact sur les perceptions et les choix des gens lorsqu’il est question de leur santé ou de celles de leurs proches.
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