A survey released today has sought Canadian and American opinions on personal experiences in this most unusual year.
The survey by the Leger polling firm asked several questions related to COVID including thoughts on whether this has been the worst year in people’s lives.
To that question some 50 per cent of Canadians responded, yes, it has been the worst year ever for them, with the other half saying no. In the USA 58 per cent of Americans said so far 2020 has been their worst year ever.
As to the likelihood of a second wave of the virus, a majority felt it was coming (78%) and that another lockdown with business closures and stay-at-home orders were likely or very likely (64%). The total results were similar for both the U.S and Canada although the U.S response for ‘very likely’ was much higher (30% vs 17% for Canada).
COVID tracking app? Yes! but no.
As to the new national COVID tracking app, most Canadians think its a good idea (73%).
In spite of that enthusiasm for the idea of a tracking app, perhaps conversely only 27 per cent think it will actually help. Additionally 46 per cent said they will not download it while a majority, (52%) also said they don’t believe the government claims of not collecting personal information and geolocation.
Leger Aug 2020
As to how well people had been coping emotionally during the crisis, 35 per cent of Canadians said their mental health was very good to excellent while 48 per cent said “good” and 15 per cent responded bad to very bad.
Americans indicated they were doing somewhat better with 42 per cent at this stage saying their mental state was very good to excellent.
Canadians remain fearful of contracting the virus (55% very or somewhat afraid) compared to 43 per cent who indicated they have little or no fear at all of contracting the virus. These figures have not changed much since the beginning of the pandemic in March and April when there was a high fear at 64 per cent of respondents before it dropped to a low of 51 per cent in June.
Additional information
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.