Health officials concerned harmful patterns to emerge as states loosen virus restrictions

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Some health experts are concerned people will fall into a harmful behavior as “stay at home” orders are loosened. The behavioral pattern is called “confirmation bias” and is defined as recalling information that strengthens a person’s previous beliefs.

Confirmation bias is particularly dangerous when it comes to the coronavirus pandemic and people prepare to re-enter society. For example, if a person engages in a risky behavior — such as easing up on social distancing or not wearing a mask — and does not get sick, they might continue to engage in the risky behavior.

Health officials are concerned this pattern might arise among Hoosiers as Indiana enters Phase 2 of reopening. White House Task Force physicians, Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, have urged citizens across the U.S. to continue to social distance, maintain good hygiene and wear masks when in public.