> Although ostensibly this has been enforced, in reality it is impossible to police and has almost entirely been done voluntarily, through persuasion, and with much popular support.

I think the terrifying prospect of catching and spreading a virus was the greatest factor, having seen it spread elsewhere.

Also our compliance hasn't come out of nowhere. I feel we've become ever more subservient and unquestioning over the last 19 years. Barely anyone refers to the legislation (some of which is quite easy to read), but instead Government "rules". A worrying trend.