Fatigue with maintaining COVID-19 public health measures has reached a record high in a new INNOVATIVE online poll of 4,150 Canadian citizens.
Well over a third of Canadians (37%) now agree with the view “I don’t think I can keep up these changes for very much longer” following a series of questions on precautionary measures. This is a four-point gain from earlier in April and 10 points higher than what is was for much of the fall.
While more Canadians feel they are near the breaking point, they still remain highly engaged with the COVID-19 pandemic and those engaged are showing more intensity. While the share who follow news about COVID is steady, now 5-points more say they follow the news very closely. There is a 5-point increase in those strongly agreeing they are taking all the steps needed to protect their families. Being very concerned a vulnerable friend or family member might catch COVID-19 is up 4 points, even with increased vaccinations.
Checking in on Canadians direct experience, we find that COVID-19 is something Canadians are more likely to see on TV than experience in their own lives:
• 38% have either directly (10%) experienced COVID-19 symptoms or know someone who has (28%).
• 32% have either directly (5%) sought treatment for COVID-19 or know someone who has (27%).
• 6% have either received hospital treatment (1%) or know someone who has (5%).
Finally, on top-of-mind issues we find that cost-of-living is now within two points of health care as one of Canadians top three issues. Governments and businesses will do well to keep an eye on this growing concern.
For more information and to read the full report, click here.
