The motivational support for following the coronama measures during this 'people's marathon' gradually dwindled over the past few weeks, from 81% at the start of the lockdown to 51% at the end of April. From the motivation barometer at UGent, there is cautiously good news to report: voluntary motivation has been increasing slightly since May 1. 58% of the population fully supports the measures after the first day of phase 1 of the exit strategy. The more motivating communication in recent days, together with the announcement of a number of easing measures, probably explain this favorable effect. Tomorrow, the National Security Council will meet again. In the past, communication from the National Security Council has proven to be a motivational pivotal moment each time. We formulate concrete advice for the government to inform and encourage the population in a motivating way to keep up this "people's marathon. At the same time, we encourage the population itself to also reflect critically on its own motivation and to deeply embed behavioral changes into a new lifestyle. Not only is covid-19 a contagious virus, so is the case for popular motivation.
