Albertans comfortable socializing, visiting bars and getting treatments
Survey finds many feel ready to begin some easing of social-distancing rules
As the province’s relaunch takes shape, more than half of Albertans are comfortable visiting a doctor, having dinner at a friend’s home, getting a haircut or going out to a restaurant, according to a survey.
Those Albertans say they’re willing to start resuming those elements of normal life even before a COVID-19 vaccine is ready.
The Thinkhq poll surveyed 1,231 Albertans April 22-26 through an online research panel. Results were weighted to reflect gender, age and region of the Alberta population and carry a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
The survey found that many in the province feel ready to begin some easing of social distancing rules, with varying degrees of comfort in certain activities before a COVID-19 vaccine is ready.
Last week, Alberta detailed its plan to gradually reopen the economy and allow for more social and recreational activities. Dentists and other health-care specialists, including physiotherapists and social workers, could resume services Monday if they are following professional guidelines.
Some access to provincial parks and public lands was also restored over the weekend, while golf courses could start reopening Saturday if clubhouses and pro shops remained closed. Most campgrounds will reopen by June.
Stage 1 of the relaunch, which includes the reopening of certain retail shops, bars and restaurants, and personal services businesses, could begin as early as May 14.
Around 80 per cent of respondents to the Thinkhq survey indicated they were at least somewhat comfortable visiting a doctor, specialist or health centre before a vaccine is available, while 67 per cent would go for physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment or a massage.
More than three-quarters of Albertans are comfortable having dinner or socializing with friends and family, either at their own home or others’ homes. Just over two-thirds would already go for a haircut, while 59 per cent are ready to go out to restaurants and bars.
But Albertans seem less likely to be comfortable with activities that involve being around more people or having increased potential for contact with strangers.
While 56 per cent of people were at least somewhat comfortable shopping at a mall, less than half (45 per cent) would board a domestic airplane flight.
Even fewer (36 per cent) would fly on a plane to the U.S. or another international destination.
Just 39 per cent would return to the gym or a fitness facility, or play team sports yet. Meanwhile, 38 per cent would attend a sports event or performance with crowds and just 35 per cent are comfortable taking public transit.
“Many Albertans are looking forward to and are reasonably comfortable with some easing of ‘isolating,’ particularly involving their closest relationships,” Thinkhq stated in a news release. “That said, removal of prohibitions on commercial contacts may be easing, but it won’t necessarily translate into a return to normal for many businesses.
“Generally speaking, until there is a vaccine for COVID-19 many Albertans will still be very wary of certain activities, with comfort influenced by the size, familiarity and opportunity for social distancing of the activity itself.”
In Calgary, police have issued 27 COVID-19 related tickets to date, mostly for failure to comply with social distancing rules, violating rules around mass gatherings and failure to self-isolate if confirmed or presumed to have COVID-19.
Eight in 10 Albertans reported that if and when a COVID-19 vaccine is developed, they are at least somewhat likely to be inoculated. However, previous research with flu vaccine rates (comparing initial intentions to actual behaviour) showed just 36 to 40 per cent of Albertans may actually get a vaccination, according to Thinkhq.
“That could pose a continued public health challenge, which in turn, could threaten the economy,” said Thinkhq president Marc Henry.
“Far and away, the most difficult challenge for most of us is the loss of social interaction with our friends and loved ones, and a general sense of anxiety about where this is heading economically ... Albertans are adjusting, but most are looking forward to having restrictions ease a bit, and they hope the economy will also improve as a result.”