COVID-19 Attitudes and Perceptions: Two years tracked

COVID-19 has changed life as we know it. Its resulting effects have been felt far and wide, and as the world begins to live with the virus, it is crucial to understand the population’s perceptions and behaviours. Since April 2020, McGregor Tan has distributed, tracked, and analysed a variety of metrics every month to assess community perceptions of COVID-19. This report will provide a snapshot of these findings.

Three quarters (74%) are concerned about COVID-19 (see figure 1) – females more so compared to males. Concern is positively related to checking in and socially distancing when in public – the greater the level of concern, the more frequent these behaviours.

Vaccination remains the primary reason for non-concern, for the seventh consecutive month. Those unvaccinated rarely check in and socially distance. No difference between demographics amongst those unvaccinated.

Anticipation of another outbreak remains high, and continues to rise (see figure 2). Nine in ten believe another outbreak is likely – the highest level of anticipation since tracking commenced. Those who believe another outbreak is unlikely rarely social distance in public and are likely to be unvaccinated.

Expectation of getting the virus follow the same upward trend, reaching recorded highs. One in five (19%) believe it is likely they’ll get the virus in the next month (see figure 3), with two in five (38%) believing they’ll catch it within six months (see figure 4). Females, and those who are more concerned, believe it is more likely they will get the virus.

There are clear segments based on individual’s attitudes and perceptions of COVID-19, used to optimise communications to encourage and direct pro-social behaviour, relieve unrest and identify need for information. In a world full of ambiguity and uneasiness, data can shine through.