Australians are starting to feel that lockdowns are taking more of a toll than they are worth, according to Bastion’s latest Wave survey of its Adapting to the New Normal Report.
The level of concern in the community has again risen with concern for the economy now at 73%, which is similar to this time last year.
The same goes for those concerned about the health of the community (62%) and personal and family concern (51%).
Four out of ten (40%) of Australians believe that the economic impact of lockdowns is greater than the risk of contracting COVID. More nthan a third (34%) disagree. A quarter (25%) are on the fence.
The major concerns about lockdowns are the hidden impact on mental health (64%), long term economic costs (59%) and impact on small businesses (70%).
Almost half (48%) have sought some support (formal or informal) for their mental health throughout the pandemic.
12% of Australians (17% Victorians and 27% younger people) have taken time off work due to their mental health. 18% have spoken to a doctor, 13% accessed counseling, 4% have called a helpline and 35% spoken with friends and family (50% Victorians and 56% young people). Females significantly over-index in all categories vs males, except for those that have called a helpline.
The latest data was collected nationally from 1,005 people August 13 to 18.
Jack Watts, global CEO of Bastion: “Community sentiment is also moving against lockdowns with more Australians now believing the economic and personal toll is higher than the impact of COVID itself.
“We are certainly feeling the effects of lockdown and many of us have sought support.”
If you are vaccinated or do not intend to get vaccinated, the levels of concern for the economy and personally are similar.
However, the big difference is found in concern for the health of the community, which is 68% for those who are vaccinated and 30% for those who don’t intend to get vaccinated.
More than three-quarters (78%) of Australians feel, despite increasing vaccination rates, it will be 2023 or later before an end to COVID significantly impacting lives. Females continue to be more pessimistic than males, and the old are more pessimistic than the young.
While optimism for the future has dropped since July, those who are vaccinated are twice as optimistic (56% personally optimistic and 49% Australia’s future), thank those who do not intend to be vaccinated (28% and 24%).
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