Template-type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Chun Yee Wong
Author-Name-First: Chun Yee Wong
Author-Name-Last: Chun Yee Wong
Author-Email: jcywong@iuj.ac.jp
Author-Workplace-Name: IUJ Research Institute, International University of Japan
Author-Name: Le Zhang
Author-Name-First: Le
Author-Name-Last: Zhang
Author-Email: lyla.zhang@mq.edu.au
Author-Workplace-Name: Macquarie University
Title: To protect myself, others, or both? An investigation of preferences and the uptake of COVID-19 preventative measures in Australia
Abstract: Wearing face masks is an important COVID-19 precautionary measure and many governments have mandated wearing face masks in public areas. However, the mandatory policy is hardly sustainable in the long run and has been criticised for reducing autonomy. It is essential to understand the underlying preference for wearing face masks as that can help encourage the use of face masks without government intervention. This study investigates how the uptake of wearing face masks as a COVID-19 precautionary behaviour is determined by self-interest and other-regarding preferences. The results reveal that if people perceive wearing face masks as an act of protecting both themselves and others, the probability of consistent face mask use increases by 46%.  However, if people perceive wearing face masks as only protecting themselves, they do not want to wear face
masks unless the surrounding people wear them too. These findings provide insights into future government non-mandatory use policies. They suggest that to encourage face mask use, policymakers should consider publicising not only the protection face masks provide for wearers, but also their ability to protect other people. 
Length: 20 pages
Creation-Date: 2022-07
Number: EMS_2022_04
File-URL: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/workingpapers/index.cfm?File=EMS_2022_04.pdf
File-Format: Application/pdf
File-Function: First version, 2022
File-Size: 543KB
Keywords: COVID-19, face mask, precautionary behaviour, protection perception
Handle: RePEc:iuj:wpaper:EMS_2022_04