POLL PROBES COVID-19 PERCEPTIONS, CONSPIRACIES

A survey commissioned by Quebec health authorities on attitudes and behaviours around COVID-19 has found that nearly one-quarter of respondents believe the novel coronavirus was created in a laboratory. The Institut national de Sante Publique — the province’s independent public health institute — published the results Monday of online polls conducted earlier this year. While one-third of respondents felt the pandemic was being exaggerated in the media, a growing number also said they wear a mask because it helps protect others. The poll also found that nearly 35 per cent of Quebecers believe the province is hiding important information about the virus. The online survey involved 1,000 adult Quebecers between March 21 and May 31, with an additional 2,000 adults surveyed in June.