Closures worse than virus

JOBS and mental health problems from the pandemic are a bigger concern to Queenslanders than catching the Covid-19 virus.

Deep distress over the impact of lockdowns is identified in an exclusive new nationwide survey of 3114 Australians, with 30 per cent of Queenslanders revealing the emotional wellbeing of themselves or their families has suffered in the past three months.

Most Queenslanders worry less about catching Covid-19 than losing their jobs, with business closures and job losses topping concerns for 58 per cent of people as the financial cost of lockdowns hits home.

Mental health is the second-biggest concern – just more than half of Queenslanders know someone whose mental health has suffered during the pandemic.

With one in three Queenslanders fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and borders slammed shut, 47 per cent are worried about “lots more Covid-19 and deaths in the community” and just 39 per cent fear catching the virus.

But border closures are taking their toll, with 38 per cent of Queenslanders worried about the lack of contact with friends and family, and 35 per cent concerned about a loss of personal freedoms.

Restrictions are hitting the hip-pocket, with 30 per cent of Queenslanders financially worse off over the past three months and 35 per cent worried about loss of income.

Young Australians and poor households are suffering the most, with 18-to-35-year-olds more likely to report worsening emotional wellbeing, and those earning less than $50,000 a year reporting the highest rate of financial loss.

The Yougov poll, exclusively for News Corp Australia between August 20-25, will add to the political pressures to balance Covid-19 control strategies against economic prosperity, educational outcomes and mental health.