COVID19 Community Tracking Singapore How Are Singaporeans Responding to the Crisis?
Updated 30 April 2020
About The Tracking The data included in this tracking report comes from nine surveys conducted since Jan 2020. Below is a list of the surveys, field dates and respective sample sizes. Survey Name
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Data collected
Sample size
YouKnowANot (YKA) Jan-20
13-20 Jan
n=1,000
YouKnowANot (YKA) Feb-20
10-14 Feb
n=1,000
COVID-19 Asia
14-17 Feb
n=300
Budget 2020
19-20 Feb
n=750
YouKnowANot (YKA) Mar-20
9-19 Mar
n=1,000
Resilience Budget
27-29 Mar
n=779
World in Crisis (SG included in 23 country study)
6-7 Apr
n=300
Solidarity Budget
7-8 Apr
n=775
YouKnowANot (YKA) Apr-20 Wave 1
13-16 Apr
n=500
YouKnowANot (YKA) Apr-20 Wave 2
20-27 Apr
n=500
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore
Blackbox will be updating the tracking on a weekly basis until the Circuit Breaker is lifted. Fieldwork will be conducted on Monday-Tuesday every week.
Sampling Information This surveys included in this tracking report were all conducted online, using a geographically stratified sample to ensure representative demographic coverage of the population. Our methodology also applies quota controls and is representative of the permanent adult Singapore population (citizen/PR), based on age, gender, ethnicity, housing type and region. Blackbox has been conducting monthly studies of adult Singaporeans since 2015 using the same sampling methodology which is regularly adjusted to accounted for demographic changes in the population.
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COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore
About Blackbox Research Blackbox Research is Singapore’s leading homegrown and fully independent social research agency. We specialise in data content and provide research and affiliated dataplus communications services for business, governments and non-governmental organisation clients across Asia. In Singapore, Blackbox Research is recognised as the ‘go-to’ agency for community and policy insights, and enjoys a strong reputation as a reliable provider of insights on current issues and topics impacting societies across Southeast Asia. Visit www.blackbox.com.sg for further information. If you wish to access more detailed information contained in this report or would like to add questions to our weekly studies, please contact chris@blackbox.com.sg
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COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore
Key Tracking Data
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Major Takeaways – W/b 20 April • Confidence in national direction dipped to worse levels since January 2020. One in four think that Singapore now heading in the wrong direction • Singaporeans remain uncertain about the future, but fear levels have dropped as people accommodate to circuit breaker life • Impact on work growing – significant jump in those experiencing wage cutbacks and those seeking additional work or engaging in skills upgrades. Job losses to date remain steady • Government performance ratings took the first significant dip since the crisis started, in the wake of escalating COVID19 cases in Singapore
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COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore
Is Singapore Heading in the Right Direction? Comment: Nearly one in four now say SG is on the wrong track. Highest since January and grown steady since late March YKA Jan-20 13-20 Jan
YKA Feb-20 10-14 Feb
Budget 2020 19-20 Feb
YKA Mar-20 9-19 Mar
75%
79%
80%
79%
25%
21%
20%
21%
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
85%
83%
80%
76%
15%
17%
20%
24%
Right Track
7
Wrong Track
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore gs1. Generally speaking, do you feel that things in Singapore are heading in the right direction or would you say things are seriously heading in the wrong direction?
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
Economic Sentiment Comment: Majority continue to say they will be worse off this year. Budget 2020 19-20 Feb
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
23%
19%
25%
27%
52%
54%
26% 29%
45%
18%
17%
18%
19%
64%
64%
Better
Same
Worse
(Demographic breaks available on request) 8
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore gs2. Economically, do you expect 2020 is going to be better or worse for you personally, or about the same as 2019
How Are Singaporeans Feeling? Comment: Singaporeans are still feeling uncertain and anxious but fear levels have dropped over the month
Latest YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
World in Crisis 6-7 Apr
9
46%
38%
34%
28%
27%
Uncertain
Anxious
Frustrated
Sad
Scared
48%
41%
37%
33%
28%
Uncertain
Anxious
Scared
Frustrated
Sad
58%
51%
47%
43%
38%
Uncertain
Anxious
Scared
Sad
Frustrated
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro1 Which of the following would you use to describe your own current mood as we progress through the current coronavirus crisis?
COVID19: Impact on Day to Day Life in SG Comment: Singaporeans appear to be adjusting to life under a circuit breaker.
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
26%
32%
39%
35%
52%
52%
46%
49%
18%
14%
15%
4%
2%
13% 2%
Complete change
10
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro2 How much has the coronavirus impacted your day to day life in recent weeks?
Considerable change
Small change
1%
No change
Day to Day Life Changes: On a Personal Level Comment: Numbers settling down – the new norms in everyday life
Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr
Rank 1
2
I’ve stopped going out socially and only go out for essential purposes
52%
I’ve been watching more movies/TV
37%
I’ve stopped all outdoor activities (exercise, eating out, etc)
30%
4
I’ve bought additional food and daily essentials in case the coronavirus situation worsens
37%
5
I’m feeling a higher level of anxiety than usual
6
I’m feeling a higher level of boredom than usual
Ranked 4 in W1
Ranked 3 in W1
11
37%
29%
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr
56% 60%
60%
57%
44% 42%
3
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
43%
48%
38% 43%
42%
37%
36%
33%
32%
36%
30%
36%
31% 35%
38%
36%
34%
32%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
Day to Day Life Changes: On a Personal Level Comment: Public transport usage continues to fall
Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr
Rank 7
Ranked 8 in W1
8
Ranked 7 in W1
12
I’ve stopped taking public transport
17%
I’ve started to use delivery services for my meals or groceries more often
22%
9
I’ve been trying to eat better
10
I’ve been exercising/working out more
11
Relationships with those who live in my household have strengthened
12
Relationships with those who live in my household have frayed under the strain e.g. more arguing etc
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
22% 30%
YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr
35% 24%
22%
24%
28% 21%
21%
19%
20%
18%
21%
18%
18%
21%
18%
19%
12%
10%
26%
9%
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
26%
22%
19%
19%
14% 11%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
Day to Day Life Changes: In Terms of Work Comment: Wage reductions jumped along with those seeking additional work assignments and skills courses Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr
Rank
1
I now work/study at home every weekday
16%
2
I’ve had my working hours reduced
3
Ranked 4 in W1
4
I’ve had to look out for odd jobs or part-time assignments to help with my income
5
I’ve started looking at taking on courses to improve my work skills
Ranked 3 in W1
Ranked 6 in W1
6
Ranked 5 in W1
7
13
I’ve had my wages reduced
YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr 26%
29%
30%
29%
17%
17%
19%
18%
18%
15%
14%
16%
22%
17%
16%
16%
15%
19%
17%
16%
15%
14%
14%
20%
15%
15%
14%
14%
I now work/study at home some days
I’ve lost my job
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
7%
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
8%
7%
8%
15%
7%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
Day to Day Life Changes: Encounters with COVID-19 Comment: No changes in the wider community
Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr
Rank
14
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr
1
I’ve had to go through a period of selfisolation/quarantine
8%
8%
10%
10%
2
One of my friends or work colleagues has contracted the coronavirus
5%
5%
6%
6%
3
One of my family members has contracted the coronavirus
4%
3%
4%
3%
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
9%
5%
3%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
Anticipated Infection Trends in Singapore Comment: More Singaporeans are betting on infection stabilization happening soon
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
35%
38%
34%
34%
32%
30%
30%
18%
22%
20%
4% 2%
25%
8%
9%
2%
3%
42%
Increase a lot
15
Increase a little
Stabilize
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro4 In your opinion, over the next two weeks do you think the daily number of new coronavirus cases in Singapore will:
Decrease a little
8% 3%
Decrease a lot
Will I Get Infected? Comment: One in three still believe they are likely to catch COVID19
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
32%
1%
1%
11%
10%
36%
25%
22%
33%
22%
52%
52%
51%
49%
16%
12%
15%
17%
Very likely
16
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
11%
9% 23%
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
Quite likely
I’ve contracted the virus already
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro5 How likely do you think it is that you will catch the coronavirus in the next six months?
Not very likely
Not likely at all
32%
How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker? Comment: Numbers are quite stable – about 4 in 5 are generally coping ok.
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
19%
20%
17%
62%
81%
60%
61%
17%
18%
17%
3%
2%
4%
Very well
17
80%
Quite well
Not very well
78%
Not well at all
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro6 The Government has now imposed what it calls circuit breaker measures. This means strict restrictions until May 4. Generally, how well are you coping during the circuit breaker (lockdown) period?
How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker? Comment: While generally coping, every day restrictions are starting to get to some Singaporeans.
Rank 1
Most bank branches will be shut but you can still withdraw money from ATMs
2
Public swimming pools and community recreational facilities will be closed
3
Government recommends everyone stays at home except when you need to go out and shop or buy medical supplies
4
Rank 5 in W1
5
Rank 5 in W1
18
Measures imposed during CB % who rated very well/quite well (top 2 box)
Singaporeans will not be allowed to have staycations at hotels Outdoor exercise allowed but only at a safe distance from others
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
85%
85%
84%
83%
83%
81%
83%
84%
YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr
79%
83%
80%
82%
78%
81%
79%
79%
80%
80%
75%
80%
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro07 Here is a list of measures that have been imposed during the circuit breaker (lockdown) period. Please indicate how well are you coping with each.
(Demographic breaks available on request)
How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker? Comment: WFH and homebased learning also beginning to wear on more Singaporeans
Rank
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
6
All condo swimming pools and gym facilities will be closed
7
All places of worship like churches and mosques will be closed
80%
Pre-schools will be closed but alternative care arrangements will be available
82%
Rank 7 in W1
Rank 8 in W1
8
Rank 6 in W1
19
Measures imposed during CB % who rated very well/quite well (top 2 box)
9
All schools will be shut and kids will have to do home-based learning
10
Work from home for all employees except those working in essential services
80%
80%
79%
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr
78%
78%
78%
78%
78%
79%
74%
78%
76%
78%
78% 77%
79%
75%
77%
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro07 Here is a list of measures that have been imposed during the circuit breaker (lockdown) period. Please indicate how well are you coping with each.
(Demographic breaks available on request)
How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker? Comment: People are tiring of eating in home
Rank 11
Measures imposed during CB % who rated very well/quite well (top 2 box) No tuition or enrichment classes for kids
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
81%
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
74%
YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr
75%
75% 12
No social gatherings of any size
13
Not able to visit your place of work/employment
76%
76%
20
14
No dining out at F&B/restaurant outlets
15
Limit social contact to immediate family members
70%
77% 75%
74%
72%
69%
69%
73%
77%
76%
74%
72%
71%
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro07 Here is a list of measures that have been imposed during the circuit breaker (lockdown) period. Please indicate how well are you coping with each.
(Demographic breaks available on request)
Government Performance Metrics Comment: Escalation of case numbers has impacted on Government perceptions. All performance metrics have dropped and are below ave. mean levels since Feb. Performance Metric % who rated Excellent (top box) Keeping the public informed with accurate information about the virus
29%
Efforts to reduce the spread of fake news and misinformation about the virus
24%
Efforts to reduce public panic
Putting in place action plans to reduce the risk of the virus spreading Monitoring people’s temperature when entering public buildings
21
COVID-19 Asia 14-17 Feb
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
World in Crisis 6-7 Apr
38%
23%
27%
29%
23%
24%
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
30%
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
27% 34%
19%
19%
17%
25%
28%
24%
24%
24%
26%
22%
24%
23%
20%
Advising employers on how to minimize workplace health risks during the current outbreak
23%
Minimizing the risk of people bringing the virus from another country
21%
20%
13% 26% 15%
30%
20%
30% 25%
Average
26%
26%
24%
26%
19%
24%
24%
23%
23%
23%
22%
23% 23%
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro08 When it comes to the coronavirus, how good a job is the Government doing in each of the following areas:
17%
22%
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