COVID19 Community Tracking Singapore How Are Singaporeans Responding to the Crisis?
Updated 08 May 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
YouKnowANot (YKA) Apr-20 Wave 3
28-30 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
5
Major Takeaways – W/b 08 May
6
•
Some stabilisation after last week’s dips but more and more people continue to worry about their economic futures and think they are going to be worse off this year
•
Impact of Government support from the three Budgets beginning to lessen considerably
•
Singaporeans still coping with circuit breaker but signs being home bound is starting to grate on some. More now saying their life has changed completely.
•
Those working from home full time has more than doubled since beginning of April
•
Only 1 in 4 now think they will get the virus compared to 1 in 3 previously
•
Most largely supportive of extended circuit breaker period
•
3 in 10 don’t believe the Government handled the dormitories situation well
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore
Is Singapore Heading in the Right Direction? Comment: Confidence has rebounbed after dipping the previous week 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
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
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, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
82%
18%
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%
21%
25%
27%
22%
52%
54%
56%
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
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
How Are Singaporeans Feeling? Comment: Frustration has risen again, as people has had to stay home longer
Latest YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
World in Crisis 6-7 Apr
9
49%
39%
37%
30%
29%
Uncertain
Anxious
Frustrated
Scared
Sad
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: More than previously, Singaporeans feel their lives have undergone significant change
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
26%
32%
39%
35%
41%
52%
52%
46%
49%
43%
18%
14%
15%
14%
4%
2%
13% 2%
1%
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
No change
Day to Day Life Changes: On a Personal Level Comment: The tougher measures have caused more people to stop going out altogether
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Rank
1
I’ve stopped going out socially and only go out for essential purposes
52%
2
I’ve been watching more movies/TV
37%
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
3
30%
4
I’ve bought additional food and daily essentials in case the coronavirus situation worsens
37%
5 Ranked 6 in W2
6 Ranked 5 in W2
I’m feeling a higher level of boredom than usual I’m feeling a higher level of anxiety than usual
29% 37%
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
56% 60%
42% I’ve stopped all outdoor activities (exercise, eating out, etc)
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
60%
48%
57%
44%
46%
43%
42%
46%
36%
33%
32%
36%
35%
37%
31%
33%
Average
58%
45%
38%
37%
30%
32%
36%
42%
35%
34%
33%
(Demographic breaks available on request) 11
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
Day to Day Life Changes: On a Personal Level Comment: Household relationships are improving
Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr
Rank
7
I’ve stopped taking public transport
17%
8
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
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
35%
35%
22% 30%
24%
22% 28%
27%
21%
21%
19%
23%
20%
18%
21%
18%
23%
18%
21%
18%
19%
23%
12%
10%
14%
12%
26%
9%
Average
31%
25%
21%
20%
20%
12%
(Demographic breaks available on request) 12
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
Day to Day Life Changes: In Terms of Work Comment: More and more people continue to work from home Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr
Rank
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
29%
30%
29% 18%
1
I now work/study at home every weekday
16%
2
I’ve had my working hours reduced
17%
17%
19%
3
I’ve had my wages reduced
15%
14%
16%
4
I’ve had to look out for odd jobs or parttime assignments to help with my income
5
I’ve started looking at taking on courses to improve my work skills
6
I now work/study at home some days
7
I’ve lost my job
16%
16%
22%
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
Average
36%
31%
17%
18%
19%
15% 19%
15%
14%
14%
20%
15%
15%
14%
14%
7%
8%
7%
8%
17% 16%
18%
17%
16%
12%
14%
6%
7%
(Demographic breaks available on request) 13
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
Day to Day Life Changes: Encounters with COVID-19 Comment: No changes in the wider community
Rank
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 27-30 Apr
Average
1
I’ve had to go through a period of selfisolation/quarantine
8%
8%
10%
10%
9%
9%
2
One of my friends or work colleagues has contracted the coronavirus
5%
5%
6%
6%
6%
5%
3
One of my family members has contracted the coronavirus
4%
3%
4%
3%
3%
3%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
14
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
Anticipated Infection Trends in Singapore Comment: Singaporeans appear to be discounting continuing infections among foreign workers Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
42%
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
35%
38%
34%
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
17% 34%
32%
30%
30%
26%
18%
22%
20%
4% 2%
25%
30%
8%
9%
2%
3%
8% 3%
21% 6%
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
Decrease a lot
Will I Get Infected? Comment: Only one in four now believe they are likely to catch COVID19
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
32%
1%
1%
11%
10%
25%
36%
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
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr 1%
32%
9% 15%
53%
22%
Not likely at all
25%
How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker? Comment: Numbers remain quite stable
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
19%
20%
17%
19%
62%
81%
60%
61%
78%
77% 58%
17%
18%
17%
18%
3%
2%
4%
5%
Very well
17
80%
Quite well
Not very well
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: No major changes
Rank
Measures imposed during CB % who rated very well/quite well (top 2 box)
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
1
Most bank branches will be shut but you can still withdraw money from ATMs
85%
85%
2
Public swimming pools and community recreational facilities will be closed
84%
83%
83%
3
Government recommends everyone stays at home except when you need to go out and shop or buy medical supplies
81%
4
Singaporeans will not be allowed to have staycations at hotels
5
Outdoor exercise allowed but only at a safe distance from others
83%
84%
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
79% 84% 80%
81%
78%
80%
79%
79%
78%
80%
75%
78%
Average
83%
81%
81%
80%
79%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
18
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.
How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker? Comment: People are beginning to miss church-going and school-going
Rank
Measures imposed during CB % who rated very well/quite well (top 2 box)
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
6
All condo swimming pools and gym facilities will be closed
80%
78%
78%
76%
Work from home for all employees except those working in essential services
79%
78%
75%
79%
Pre-schools will be closed but alternative care arrangements will be available
82%
78%
74%
76%
All places of worship like churches and mosques will be closed
80%
78%
78%
74%
All schools will be shut and kids will have to do home-based learning
80%
77%
76%
7 Was Rank 10 in W2
8 9 Was Rank 7 in W2
10 Was Rank 9 in W2
75%
Average
78%
78%
78%
78%
77%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
19
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.
How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker? Comment: A drop in coping with no social gathering
Rank
11
Measures imposed during CB % who rated very well/quite well (top 2 box)
No tuition or enrichment classes for kids
12
No social gatherings of any size
13
Not able to visit your place of work/employment
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
81%
No dining out at F&B/restaurant outlets
15
Limit social contact to immediate family members
74%
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
75%
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
74% 71%
76%
76% 14
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
70%
77%
75%
75%
74%
73%
72%
69%
71%
69%
73%
69%
Average
76%
75%
74%
72%
70%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
20
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.
Government Performance Metrics
Comment: After a previous tough week, govt performance has bounced back Performance Metric % who rated Excellent (top box)
Keeping the public informed with accurate information about the virus
29%
38%
24%
30%
34%
27%
33%
Efforts to reduce the spread of fake news and misinformation about the virus
24%
27%
19%
25%
28%
20%
26%
23%
29%
19%
24%
26%
22%
26%
Putting in place action plans to reduce the risk of the virus spreading
23%
30%
17%
24%
23%
20%
27%
Monitoring people’s temperature when entering public buildings
25%
26%
26%
26%
20%
25%
Minimizing the risk of people bringing the virus from another country
21%
23%
17%
24%
24%
23%
28%
Advising employers on how to minimize workplace health risks during the current outbreak
23%
23%
15%
24%
26%
19%
25%
Efforts to reduce public panic
21
COVID-19 Asia Resilience Budget World in Crisis Solidarity Budget YKA Apr-20, W1 YKA Apr-20, W2 YKA Apr-20, W3 14-17 Feb 27-29 Mar 6-7 Apr 7-8 Apr 13-16 Apr 20-27 Apr 28-30 Apr
13%
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:
Average
31% 24% 24% 23% 23% 23% 22%
Financial stress due to COVID-19 Comment: Govt handouts from the Budgets are less impacts now % Respondents who answered “Yes”
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
32%
30%
28%
58%
55%
46%
19%
14%
14%
55%
55%
47%
52%
47%
Working more hours during the current crisis
Working less hours during the current crisis
Earning more during the current crisis
Earning less during the current crisis Getting financial support from the government during the crisis
22
25%
10% 31%
77%
Getting financial support from your employer during the crisis
21%
25%
28%
Getting financial support from my family during the crisis
24%
26%
23%
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro10 Are you…
Average
30%
59%
25%
28%
How Singaporeans feel about Circuit Breaker extension
Comment: Most Singaporeans are supportive of the Cirbuit Breaker extension
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
Why do you somewhat/totally oppose the extension?*
36% 46% 15%
19%
4%
23
Totally support
Somewhat support
Somewhat oppose
Totally oppose
It is too long to stay at home
11%
It is going to have a bad impact on business and the economy
11%
It will impact on people’s mental health
9%
The decision was only made because the Government made mistakes with respect to the foreign worker dormitories
9%
My job will be at risk
6%
I find it hard to do my job at home
6%
Its impact on children and their education
5%
*Based off all Singaporeans
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore cor010 How do you feel about the extension of the Circuit Breaker to June 1? cor011 Why do you somewhat/totally oppose the decision?
How has the Govt handled COVID-19 cases in foreign worker dormitories?
Quite well 45%
Comment: Around three in ten Singaporeans don’t think the Govt handled the foreign worker dormitories situation well
Not very well 20%
29% Not well at all 9%
Very well 26%
24
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore cor012 How well do you think the Singapore Government has handled the rising number of COVID19 cases in foreign worker dormitories?
Have you downloaded the TraceTogether app?
Comment: Singaporeans split down the middle about the virtues of the tracing app
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
Why have you not downloaded the TraceTogether app?*
48%
45%
51%
6%
It’s an invasion of my privacy. I don’t want the Government tracing my movements
20%
I heard it uses up your phone battery
15%
It’s just over reach and not necessary to deal with the problem
10%
It seems like a waste of time/I can’t be bothered
10%
It’s an invasion of privacy for those who have contracted COVID19. They don’t need to be singled out like criminals
9%
It feels creepy and I don’t want to know if I have come close to a COVID19 case
7%
*Based off all Singaporeans Yes, I have downloaded the app No, but I have heard of it No, never heard of this app
25
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro13 Have you downloaded the TraceTogether app that tells you if you have had close contact with a COVID-19 case, so that contact tracers contact you more quickly. coro14 Why have you not downloaded it?
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