Table 4 Mindsets Emerging from Similarity in Patterns of Responses to Messages

Additive constant

40

39

44

35

Mindset 1—"pandemic observer" (focus on risk and pay attention to the news)

Perceived risk: dangerous virus spreading wildly

1

14^c

− 12^a

0^b

Perceived risk: health experts suggest what to do but the government is reactive rather than proactive

2

14^c

− 11^a

1^b

Perceived risk: all the news seems to be about the covid-19 virus

1

13^c

− 13^a

2^b

Perceived risk: media exaggerates the strain of influenza…people are panicking

1

13^c

− 11^a

0^b

Mindset 2—"obedient follower" (focus on practices of physical distancing and expect to be told EXACTLY what to do)

Practice physical distancing: Everyone should socialize and work only from home on internet, e.g. zoom/Skype

0

− 9^a

− 5^b

16^c

Practice physical distancing: Everyone should stay 2 m (6 ft.) apart

− 1

− 12^a

− 6^b

16^c

Practice physical distancing: Everyone should wear a mask everywhere

− 2

− 12^a

− 4^b

11^c

Practice physical distancing: Everyone should be confined to within 100 m (300 ft.) of home

− 2

− 13^a

− 7^b

17^c

Who communicates: Home Front Command

2

− 5^a

10^c

0^b

Who communicates: State Government

0

− 5^a

7^c

− 1^b

Mindset 3—"sensitive interpreter" (focuses on ensuring compliance and on the communicator, listening to WHAT the GOVERNMENT IS DOING)

Ensuring compliance: Only 60 and over allowed to buy groceries during first 2 h of the store day

0

2^b

8^c

− 11^a

Who communicates the policy: media

1

− 4^a

8^c

0^b

Who communicates the policy: religious leaders

0

− 7^a

6^c

1^b

Compliance policy: Designated young volunteer for priority shopping… for elderly & disabled

− 1

3^b

6^b

− 12^a

Compliance policy: food (3 people at a time) gas (attendant dispenses)…pharmacy (1 person at a time)

0

2^b

6^b

− 10^a