Coronavirus has encouraged a quarter of adults to talk to neighbours for first time, finds new study

Coronavirus is bringing local communities closer together, according to a new study [Image: Getty]
Coronavirus is bringing local communities closer together, according to a new study [Image: Getty]

Coronavirus is bringing communities together – with a quarter of adults saying it has seen them talk to neighbours they previously had no relationship with.

A study of 2,000 adults found 64% believe COVID-19 is bringing their local area closer together.

This is because many people are now carrying out acts of kindness they wouldn’t have done before the outbreak, with three in 10 checking in on elderly relatives and another 23% getting in touch with a vulnerable neighbour to offer help.

A third have also offered to get shopping and essentials for those unable to leave the house.

READ MORE: Coronavirus - why social distancing is important even if you're young and healthy

Others have started to donate to food banks (13%), volunteered for charity or local groups (10%) or shopped from a small or local business instead of simply going to a large chain (28%).

The study also revealed more than four in 10 said their street or community has set up a help group for those nearby who are unable to go out due to being elderly, vulnerable or in self-isolation.

Siobhan Freegard, from ChannelMum.com - who conducted the research - said: “The coronavirus crisis might be causing stress and fear but it’s also kick-started a wave of kindness around the country.

"People are putting politics and other divisions behind them to concentrate on helping each other and bringing their communities back together.

READ MORE: Fed up of boxsets? Here are the best crafting kits to do while self isolating

"By sticking together and supporting those around us, we can hopefully make the uncertain weeks and months ahead a little easier.”

But it’s not just communities which are being affected by coronavirus - 49% of those polled believe it will also bring them closer to their partner, because self-isolation means they will have more quality time together.

Two thirds of those living with their partner are now with their other half more than usual due to social distancing, self-isolation or working from home.

And while 57% previously struggled to be together due to busy work and family schedules, 74% believe they will now have more quality time with their other half.

READ MORE: What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?

As a result, 49% think it will bring them and their partner closer together in the long run.

More than two thirds of those polled even believe there will be a baby boom in nine months as couples have the time to reconnect with each other.

Almost four in 10 went as far as to say being ‘stuck’ at home with their partner will have a positive impact on their relationship.

As people avoid pubs, bars and restaurants, 43% of couples polled, via OnePoll, are turning to ‘at home’ date nights as they try to keep the spark alive in their relationship.

READ MORE: Fed up of dry, flaky hands? These moisturising hand masks will replenish your skin

Watching a film together is considered the most popular way to spend time together at home, along with having a home-cooked meal, a few drinks and a good old conversation.

Cuddles on the sofa, sex and a social media and gadget ban are also considered ideal home date night activities.

The top 10 things which make up the ideal home date night have been found to be...

1. Watching a film together (57%)

2. A home-cooked meal (56%)

3. Some alcoholic drinks (43%)

4. Conversation (41%)

5. Cuddles on the sofa (40%)

6. Sex (36%)

7. Music (26%)

8. Bingeing on box sets (24%)

9. Playing games (24%)

10. A social media and gadget ban (13%)