Boris Johnson's approval rating has dived by 40 POINTS to turn negative in under two months amid backlash over coronavirus testing, care homes, and lockdown easing

• Exclusive poll shows Boris Johnson's approval rating has dived since mid-April
• The PM had a net rating of plus 38 but is now in negative territory at minus five
• Government faced backlash over testing, care homes and the lockdown easing 

Boris Johnson's personal approval rating has dived by 40 points to turn negative in less than two months. 

A poll for MailOnline showed the PM has seen an astonishing reduction in his standing since mid-April, when the country appeared squarely behind his leadership.

The government has faced a backlash over a lack of testing capacity, difficulties obtaining PPE and ventilators for hospitals and fury over the deadly outbreak in care homes.

As the death toll rises and the lockdown plunges the economy into the worst recession for 300 years, Mr Johnson has also had to contend with accusations that his chief aide Dominic Cummings flouted lockdown rules. 

And over the past week he has faced a wave of criticism that the draconian curbs are being eased too soon, with households allowed to mix again and school and shops reopening. By contrast Scotland and Wales are moving more slowly.  

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Boris Johnson's personal approval has dived over by 40 points to turn negative in less than two months. His net rating was plus 38 in mid-April, but by this week it was minus five

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Mr Johnson (pictured launching an international vaccine summit today) has faced a backlash over a lack of testing capacity, difficulties obtaining PPE and ventilators for hospitals and fury over the deadly outbreak in care homes

The Redfield & Wilton Strategies research found in mid-April that Mr Johnson's rating were riding high.

Some 23 per cent said they 'strongly approved' of his handling of the crisis.

Another 36 per cent voiced support, while just 12 per cent disapproved and 9 per cent strongly disapproved.

That gave a net rating of plus 38. 

But a survey by the firm this week found that Mr Johnson's standing had taken a massive hit.

Just 9 per cent strongly approved of his stewardship, with 30 per cent broadly happy. They were outweighed by 20 per cent who disapproved and 24 per cent who disapproved strongly.

That gave a net rating of minus five. 

In some comfort for Mr Johnson, the study found overwhelming support for the 14-day quarantine restrictions on UK arrivals announced by Priti Patel yesterday. 

With only very limited exceptions for lorry drivers and NHS workers, from Monday everyone coming to the country by plane, rail or sea will be ordered to give an address and self-isolate for two weeks, with spot checks from officials. 

Experts insist the measures will make no difference while the UK's own transmission rates are so high, while the aviation industry has warned of mas redundancies as the UK 'puts up a closed sign'.

But 42 per cent were satisfied with the move, and 35 per cent believe it does not go far enough.

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A poll for MailOnline by Redfield & Wilton Strategies found 42 per cent are satisfied with the quarantine move, and 35 per cent believe it does not go far enough

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The study also underlines the extent of 'coronahobia' among the public, with 73 per cent saying they would not feel safe in a plane in the near future

The study, carried out this week, also underlined the extent of 'coronahobia' among the public, with 73 per cent saying they would not feel safe in a plane in the near future.

There are deep doubts over the the prospect of 'air bridges' to low-infection countries, even though they could allow people to take foreign holidays without the need to quarantine for two weeks at either end. 

Some 42 per cent support the idea, being worked on by ministers, but 39 per cent were against it.