Support for lockdown remains high, poll finds

Most Canadians back COVID-19 measures but mental health is suffering

Most Canadians support measures requiring them to stay home to curb COVID-19, but many admit the pandemic is taking a toll on their mental health, a new poll suggests.

The Campaign Research survey for the Star found overwhelming approval of the shutdown of most businesses that began in mid-March and could continue for many weeks.

“Clearly, the public is letting the (federal and provincial) governments lead as long as governments are following the advice of public health officials,” Nick Kouvalis, a principal of Campaign Research, said Tuesday.

Indeed, 47 per cent said they would “strongly support” provincial governments keeping them home to curb the spread of coronavirus, with 33 per cent

“somewhat” supportive of that. Eight per cent were “somewhat” opposed, seven per cent were “strongly” opposed and four per cent were unsure.

“Overall, that suggests four out of five Canadians think the rules that have been put in place have been effective,” said Kouvalis.

Campaign Research polled 2,007 people across Canada on Saturday and Sunday using Maru Blue’s online panel. It is an opt-in poll, but for comparison purposes, a random sample of this size would have a margin of error of plus or minus two percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

When asked if they would continue to accept the rules if deemed necessary by “medical officers of health for the entire month of May,” two-thirds (66 per cent) said they would “willingly accept” them and onequarter (25 per cent) said they would “grudgingly accept” such restrictions.

Only five per cent said they would neither accept nor follow the rules, while four per cent had no opinion.

“Canadians seem to be willing and able to tolerate these measures for another month or so,” added the pollster.

Similarly, 61 per cent said “the rules have been effective, but … should remain in place for a while longer,” while 22 per cent said they had “been effective but it is time to relax” them. Six per cent said the rules were not effective and advocated “more restrictions and more enforcement,” while five per cent said the measures were “unnecessary and over the top,” and five per cent weren’t sure.

Asked if all businesses should be allowed to open and children sent back to school, 49 per cent “strongly” disagreed and 23 per cent “somewhat” disagreed, while seven per cent “strongly” agreed, 15 per cent “somewhat” agreed, and six per cent were unsure.

That suggests 72 per cent — almost three-quarters — oppose an expedited return to normal. But 69 per cent said more businesses should be allowed to open if schools remain closed and people exercise safe social distancing. Only 20 per cent opposed that and 12 per cent weren’t sure.

The poll found 10 per cent of respondents were feeling “a lot more depressed” while 36 per cent were feeling “a little more depressed.” Only four per cent reported feeling “a little less depressed” and three per cent “a lot less depressed,” while 47 per cent said they felt no different than before the pandemic.

Queried as to whether they were “feeling upset,” 12 per cent said “a lot more” and 38 per cent said “a little more,” while four per cent said “a little less” and three per cent said “a lot less,” with 43 per cent reporting no change in how they felt.

“There’s more anxiety than ever about what the future holds with people losing their jobs or worrying about their kids’ education or prospects,” said Kouvalis.

Twelve per cent of respondents said they were “not currently working because of a recent layoff or business closure.”

About a quarter — 24 per cent — are drinking more alcohol while 11 per cent are drinking less, and 10 per cent are using more cannabis while five per cent are using less. Asked about tobacco use, eight per cent said they are smoking more and five per cent are smoking less.