Public attitudes to coronavirus: May summary
This report includes some high level findings from recent polling work on public attitudes to the coronavirus pandemic in Scotland. A report covering earlier survey work was published on 8 May 2020.
6. Looking forward
Lifting restrictions
Respondents were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with two statements about lifting restrictions. Over the past three survey waves, there has been an increase in the proportions agreeing with each statement. In the most recent wave, over half agreed that businesses need to reopen as soon as possible, however 22% disagreed and 24% felt neutral. Just over a third agreed that 'it's time for us to be allowed back out and about', 37% disagreed and 27% felt neutral.
Source: YouGov weekly Scotland survey. Base (n=1004-1037)
Respondents were also asked whether they agreed or disagreed with three statements about how to decide when to lift restrictions. The vast majority of respondents agreed with each statements shown. However, the proportion who agreed that decisions on lifting restrictions must be based on saving lives and protecting our NHS (third statement) has fallen slightly since the end of April.
Source: YouGov weekly Scotland survey. Base (n=1004-1037)
Returning to work
Respondents in employment were asked whether they felt comfortable returning to their place of work, and whether they were confident that their employer could provide a workspace where social distancing guidance could be followed[8]. Around half felt comfortable returning to their place of work in the next month, and a higher proportion were confident that a safe working environment could be provided.
Source: Ipsos MORI, Scotland data. Base: those in employment (n= 301-444), excluding self-employed (n= 267-281)
Returning to normal
Respondents were asked whether they agreed or disagreed with two statements about the future. Over the past three survey waves, just under two thirds agreed that they felt anxious about resuming normal activities after the pandemic. Similar proportions also agreed that, in the long term, climate change is as serious as COVID-19
Source: Ipsos MORI, Scotland data. Scottish base (n=500)
Contact
Email: covid-19.behaviours@gov.scot
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