Research |
COVID-19 Perceptions and Perspectives from Manitobans (May 21, 2020)
May 21, 2020
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Manitobans miss not being able to dine out
Manitobans are missing many things due to business closures during the pandemic, with dining out at a restaurant being the single most common activity missed by Manitobans (31%). Given that many restaurants have continued to offer delivery services, missing the dining out experience is likely more about the loss of social interaction between family and friends, rather than the act of eating or the convenience of not having to cook.
Although many Manitobans may have tried some sort of exercise routine at home, going to the gym is the second most commonly missed activity (mentioned by 13%). Although 7% miss live sporting events, men (12%) are more likely than women (3%) to report missing this activity.
Young adults (18 to 29 years of age) are more likely than older Manitobans to say that going to the gym; attending live music concerts, plays, and other arts performances; and going to the bar are what they miss most.
Some Manitobans say that COVID-19 has made them better off financially
In the last 30 days, households report a split between those who were able to save more money and those who had to dip into a savings account or take on more debt, as compared to their pre-pandemic financial situation. Thirty-nine percent say that they have saved more money, compared to 17% who have dipped into savings, or 10% who have taken on more debt.
About 19% report that their household has relied on government assistance programs in the last 30 days. Reliance on government assistance programs due to the pandemic decreases with age, as 37% of those 18 to 29 relied on a government assistance program, compared to 23% of those 30 to 44 years of age, 16% of those 45 to 64 years of age, and 6% of those 65 or older.
Many Manitobans say that the impact of the pandemic has been neutral or even positive for them personally
Perhaps not surprisingly, not everyone has been negatively affected by the pandemic. While about half (54%) report that the pandemic has had a negative impact on them personally, this is balanced by many who say that the pandemic has had a neutral (29%) or positive (17%) impact.
METHODOLOGY
PRA conducted the survey from May 11–14, 2020 using its Manitoba Panel. In total, 1,640 Manitobans completed the survey.
Because this sample is a non-probability sample, no error rate can be calculated. A random population survey of this size would yield an error rate of ± 2.5% (19 times out of 20).
As any sample may not represent the population perfectly, PRA corrects statistically for discrepancies in gender, age, and income to ensure the sample corresponds as closely as possible to Statistics Canada information.
PRA Inc. sponsored these questions independently.
No other organization, public or private, funded this study in whole or in part.
For more information about the research, please contact Nicholas Borodenko, partner, at borodenko@pra.ca
(204) 987-2030 or toll-free at 1-888-877-6744
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