Results from June to August 2021 were collected from 894 respondents, primarily from countries in the northern hemisphere.

Results show that respondents continued to follow three key measures most important to controlling the spread of infection (mask wearing, hand washing, and self-isolating after suspected exposure to the virus), with a combined average level of adherence of 77%.
 
Consistent with previous data from the iCARE study collected since March 2020, health measures involving social contact appear to have been more difficult to follow. Data show how physical distancing and avoiding small gatherings were less likely to be followed during the 2021 summer season, with a combined average of only 45%.
 
The monthly data reveal that respondents were less likely to be following all five of the key health measures during the month of July. This may coincide with the warmer weather and the summer holiday period when there are more opportunities and interest for small gatherings.
 
In comparing this new data with data collected since March 2020, we saw all-time low levels of adherence in July 2021, with only 25% avoiding small social gatherings, 57% self-isolating if infection is suspected, and 42% following physical distancing measures. Respondents also reported less mask wearing in July, with only 61% of respondents stating they did this “most of the time.”
 
These trends all returned to overall average levels in August 2021, with self-isolation back up to 91% (compared to the 87% average seen between March 2020 and June 2021), physical distancing back up to 73% (compared to the 72% average seen between March 2020 and June 2021) and mask wearing back up to 92% (compared to the 88% worldwide average seen since mask wearing started to become mandated in numerous countries in the northern hemisphere in May 2020).