Who is responsible for social responsibility in a pandemic? Insights from a qualitative study in Singapore during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The role of social responsibility has been used to underpin the implementation of rapidly changing non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to slow COVID-19 community transmission. Methods: To explore public awareness of COVID-19 and social responsibility in a pandemic, we conducted eight mobile app-based online focus group discussions (FGDs) with participants in Singapore between 28 March and 13 April 2020. Results: Findings from our online FGDs indicate that social responsibility, especially during the early stages of COVID-19, was influenced by external factors such as appropriate legislation and allowances in existing societal culture, as well as action-based factors including mask wearing and safe distancing. Both were further mitigated by individual factors that mediated an individual’s capacity and capability to comply with rapidly changing legislation during a pandemic. Conclusion: While similar NPIs have been imposed globally, considerable between-country differences remain in health outcomes and adherence rates, displaying the complex nature of social responsibility. Evol- ving the role of social responsibility should be accompanied by expanding social norms and less reliance on punitive approaches.