WHAT: The Toluna and Harris Interactive COVID-19 Barometer is a bi-weekly index that taps into a community panel of 30+ million members providing accurate and timely information on the world’s perceptions regarding the Coronavirus. The latest research was conducted between April 9 – 14, 2020 and surveyed 1046 respondents in Australia.

KEY FINDINGS

Post COVID-19 resolutions

When asked to think about life post COVID-19, many Australians plan to be more health conscious and more optimistic about the future:

• 39% of Australians plan to be more health conscious after the pandemic
• 36% want to be more optimistic about the future
• 35% are planning to go out more (to cinemas, restaurants etc.)
• 23% plant to be more environmentally conscious
• While 22% want to be less materialistic

The findings come as lockdowns and general stress are taking a toll on our mental health, with many Australians feeling more stressed, drinking more and exercising less:

• 44% feel more stressed than usual
• 34% are exercising less than before
• 21% are eating less
• And 16% are drinking more alcohol and 9% smoking more
• Millennials are particularly affected, with over a quarter (27%) of 25-34 year olds drinking more smoking more (15%)
• Generally, women are feeling the pressure with 52% of women feeling more stressed compared to only 37% of men

What’s keeping us up at night
The COVID-19 crisis sees Aussies concerned about several issues, particularly the effects of virus on education and the ability for the healthcare system to cope with demand:

• 69% of Aussies have major societal concerns about the impact of Covid-19, such as children’s education and the ability of the healthcare system to cope with demand
• 57% are concerned about getting sick or having to take care of a sick relative
• 57% are anxious about their personal financial security
• 50% said they were worried about getting essential supplies including groceries, toiletries and medication
• When it comes to travel restrictions, the younger generations are feeling most confined (54% of 18-24 year olds and 62% of 25-34 year olds) while the over 55s are less bothered (35% of 55-64 year olds; 36% of 65-74 year olds; 27% of 75+)

A vaccine

While looking to the future, less than half of those surveyed (48%) feel confident a Coronavirus vaccine will be developed and made available in Australia.

TOLUNA EXPERT ANALYSIS:

Lucia Juliano, Senior Researcher for Harris Interactive and Toluna said: 

“The research shows that the pandemic has impacted personal health in a number of ways – people are doing less exercise, consuming more alcohol and becoming increasingly stressed. However, the research also shows in the longer term, people will prioritise personal health and aim to look after themselves better through becoming healthier and better informed.”

“We (Toluna and Harris Interactive) are strongly committed to providing these insights, garnered from an Australian panel within Toluna’s 30+ million member community, on a regular, timely basis throughout the duration of the COVID-19 crisis. By doing so, the broader market can be kept informed of people’s sentiments as they change during these uncertain times.”