Weary of restrictions, but wary of complacency

Torontonians are tired of COVID-19 measures, but support them, poll finds

Toronto residents are tired of the constraints imposed by COVID-19, but still strongly support public health restrictions needed to control the spread of the virus, according to a poll conducted for Toronto Public Health.

The Ipsos Reid online survey of 1,201 people conducted between Oct. 20 and Oct. 30, before the second lockdown took effect on Nov. 23, found that 56 per cent of respondents reported being tired of COVID-19 precautions and 39 per cent were angry/frustrated. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.2 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Despite that, 43 per cent strongly supported the idea of a second lockdown and 40 per cent were somewhat supportive, putting total support for continuing restrictions at 83 per cent. A full 90 per cent of respondents agreed with the statement: “We need to take whatever measures are necessary to control the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the number of deaths.”

Dr. Eileen de Villa, medical officer of health, said she’s not surprised people are fed up with restrictions — adding even she’s frustrated by them — but what is important is that everyone continues to follow the public health advice being offered, which includes a request from the province that people stick to their own households during this holiday season.

“To get back to the kind of lives that we would like to have next year rests on our ability to be able to stay disciplined,” de Villa said at Monday’s COVID-19 update from city hall.

Coun. Joe Cressy, (Ward 10 Spadina Fort-York), said he was also struck by the strong support for continued restrictions, despite the frustrations they entail. “Everybody’s tired of COVID-19, but we’re all just as committed to beating it.”

There is no doubt the pandemic is having an impact on health — 42 per cent of respondents reported getting less physical activity as a result of the pandemic; 33 per cent reported sleeping less; 35 per cent reported consuming more cannabis; 31 per cent reported smoking or vaping more and 26 per cent said they are taking more recreational drugs.