18-22 May, Wave 6
COVID19 Community Tracking Singapore How Are Singaporeans Responding to the Crisis?
Updated 28 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
2
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
YouKnowANot (YKA) May-20 Wave 4
4-8 May
n=500
YouKnowANot (YKA) May-20 Wave 5
12-16 May
n=500
YouKnowANot (YKA) May-20 Wave 6
18-22 May
n=500
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore
Blackbox will be updating the tracking on a weekly basis until the Circuit Breaker is lifted. Fieldwork is conducted in the early part of every week.
Sampling Information The 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 – Tracking Third Week of May
6
•
Singaporeans now in pre-release mode. Waiting not so patiently for end of circuit breaker
•
Anxiety levels now way down along with frustration. Singaporean’s are now more hesitant about what lies ahead - uncertainty and confusion rising more than confidence
•
Economic circumstances are tightening – more reporting wage decreases and reliance on family financial support
•
Most Singaporeans now of the view that infection levels have peaked and will not rise again
•
Nearly half of those who are now working from home want to continue to do so post CB.
•
Singaporeans have adapted well to WFH – main benefit seen as flexibility while main downside is lack of social interaction
•
High income earners much more likely to be WFH than low/middle income earners – same as seen in other advanced economies
•
Many say they deserve ‘stay at home’ bonus from employers in future as they are saving them money
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore
Is Singapore Heading in the Right Direction? Comment: Tracking within last one-month range
YKA Jan-20 13-20 Jan
75%
25%
YKA Feb-20 10-14 Feb
Budget 2020 19-20 Feb
YKA Mar-20 9-19 Mar
79%
80%
79%
21%
20%
21%
Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
85%
83%
80%
76%
15%
17%
20%
24%
Right Track
7
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
82%
80%
84%
81%
18%
20%
16%
19%
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 May-20, W5 12-16 May
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
Economic Sentiment Comment: Relatively consistent since mid April. Same range.
Budget 2020 19-20 Feb
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
26% 29%
45%
18%
17%
18%
19%
64%
64%
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
23%
19%
21%
25%
27%
52%
54%
Better
Same
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
23%
20%
22%
22%
25%
23%
24%
56%
52%
57%
54%
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 May-20, W4 4-8 May
How Are Singaporeans Feeling? Comment: More Singaporeans now confused possibly due to Government’s phased approach to normalisation.
World in Crisis 6-7 Apr
1. Uncertain 2.Frustrated/Angry 3. Anxious
9
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
48%
46%
49%
44%
52%
50%
48%
47%
47%
50%
50%
45%
41%
51%
41%
38%
39%
41%
41%
34%
27%
30%
32%
31%
28%
28%
29%
29%
23%
24%
18%
18%
17%
20%
19%
22%
58%
4. Scared
47%
5. Sad
43%
6. Confused
21%
24%
37%
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?
Average
50% 47% 41% 33% 29% 19%
How Are Singaporeans Feeling? (contd.) Comment: More focus on what’s ahead – people feeling less need to be determined, neighbourly or charitable.
World in Crisis 6-7 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
16%
15%
14%
12%
11%
14%
12%
14%
8. Different
10%
7%
9%
9. Neighbourly
11%
8%
8%
6. Charitable /caring 7 Determined
10. Happy 11. Indifferent
10
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
16%
17%
19%
17%
14%
10%
10%
11%
11%
8%
8%
11%
10%
7%
9%
7%
6%
10%
7%
7%
6%
8%
7%
10%
9%
10%
12%
5%
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?
Average
15% 14% 10% 9% 8% 8%
COVID19: Impact on Day to Day Life in SG Comment: Numbers stayed relatively consistent through the circuit breaker period
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
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
26%
32%
39%
35%
41%
36%
35%
35%
52%
52%
46%
49%
43%
47%
51%
47%
18%
14%
15%
14%
16%
2%
1%
2%
1%
12% 2%
14%
4%
13% 2%
Complete change
11
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
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
4%
Day to Day Life Changes: On a Personal Level Comment: Some drop offs. People preparing to get out of the house? Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Rank
1
I’ve stopped going out socially and only go out for essential purposes
52%
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
60%
60%
42%
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
56%
57%
58%
37%
3
I’ve stopped all outdoor activities (exercise, eating out, etc.)
30%
4
I’m feeling a higher level of boredom than usual
29%
5
I’ve bought additional food and daily essentials in case the coronavirus situation worsens
37%
37%
36%
6
I’m feeling a higher level of anxiety than usual
37%
32%
36%
48%
46%
38%
61%
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
57%
49%
53%
36%
42% 35%
46% 37%
46% 36%
42% 36%
41% 33%
32%
32%
33%
34%
31%
33%
31%
30%
29%
(Demographic breaks available on request) 12
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
Average
58%
46%
40% 43%
30%
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
46%
44%
I’ve been watching more movies/TV
2
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
41%
35%
34%
32%
Day to Day Life Changes: On a Personal Level Comment: Household tensions now at highest point of the crisis. Home deliveries dropped a little. Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Rank
7
8
13
I’ve stopped taking public transport
17%
I’ve started to use delivery services for my meals or groceries more often
22%
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
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
22% 30%
35%
29%
27%
34%
28% 21%
19%
34%
33%
30% 21%
I’ve been trying to eat better
I’ve been exercising/working out more
20%
18%
21%
18%
23%
28%
10
18%
21%
18%
19%
23%
25%
11
Relationships with those who live in my household have strengthened
12%
10%
14%
12
Relationships with those who live in my household have frayed under the strain e.g. more arguing etc.
12%
11%
27%
26%
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
37%
23%
9
9%
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
24%
22%
21%
35%
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
25% 27%
23%
26%
23%
13% 16%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
Average
30%
27%
23%
23%
21%
12%
Day to Day Life Changes: In Terms of Work Comment: Reported wage reductions now at highest level Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Rank
1
I now work/study at home every weekday
2
I’ve had my working hours reduced
3
I’ve had my wages reduced I’ve had to look out for odd jobs or part-time assignments to help with my income
16%
4
5
I’ve started looking at taking on courses to improve my work skills
15%
6
I now work/study at home some days (not every day)
7
I’ve lost my job
16%
17%
15%
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
29%
30%
29%
17%
19%
18%
14% 16%
16%
22%
15%
7%
15%
8%
36% 17%
19%
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
27%
29%
33%
30%
17%
21%
18%
18%
19%
19%
23%
18%
15%
15% 19%
14%
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
14% 14%
7%
17%
18%
18%
16% 20% 14%
8%
18% 12%
6%
14%
21%
18% 9%
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
17%
17%
16%
7%
(Demographic breaks available on request) 14
20%
Average
8%
15%
7%
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
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
1
I’ve had to go through a period of self-isolation/quarantine
8%
8%
10%
10%
9%
8%
9%
9%
2
One of my friends or work colleagues has contracted the coronavirus
5%
5%
6%
6%
6%
6%
4%
7%
3
One of my family members has contracted the coronavirus
4%
3%
4%
3%
3%
3%
3%
4%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
15
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?
Average
9%
5%
3%
Anticipated Infection Trends in Singapore Comment: Singaporeans now clearly believe numbers have peaked
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
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
17%
14%
13%
11%
34%
32%
30%
30%
26%
27%
27%
22%
18%
22%
20%
25%
30%
34%
8%
9%
37%
39%
2%
3%
20%
17%
4% 2%
8% 3%
21% 6%
Increase a lot
16
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
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
5% Decrease a lot
20%
5% 5%
Will I Get Infected? Comment: Fear of wider community infection remains consistent
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
11%
9% 23%
32%
25%
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
11%
36%
22%
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
1%
1%
0%
11%
9%
9%
1%
10%
33%
22%
52%
51%
49%
16%
12%
15%
17%
Quite likely
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
1%
52%
Very likely
17
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr 1%
32%
9%
32%
15%
53%
22%
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?
25%
20%
48%
20%
Not very likely
32%
19%
30%
21%
53%
48%
18%
22%
Not likely at all
30%
How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker? Comment: Coping but softened in last week
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%
17% 3%
81%
60%
18% 2%
80%
61%
17%
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
23%
18%
77%
84%
58%
61%
66%
18%
12%
14%
4%
2%
5%
4%
Very well
18
78%
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
Quite well
Not very well
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
19% 84% 60%
18% 3%
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?
79%
How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker? Comment: People still coping with most things.
Rank
1
Measures imposed during CB % who rated very well/quite well (top 2 box)
Most bank branches will be shut but you can still withdraw money from ATMs
2
Government recommends everyone stays at home except when you need to go out and shop or buy medical supplies
3
Public swimming pools and community recreational facilities will be closed
4
Outdoor exercise allowed but only at a safe distance from others
5
Singaporeans will not be allowed to have staycations at hotels
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
85%
85%
83%
81%
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
85%
84% 80%
80%
81%
80%
75%
79%
79%
83%
83%
79%
80%
80%
79%
78%
80%
78%
82%
79%
75%
79%
78%
78%
81%
83% 84%
Average
78%
83%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
19
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
82%
81%
79%
78%
84%
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
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.
76%
79%
How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker? Comment: Back to school will be a relief for many
Rank
Measures imposed during CB % who rated very well/quite well (top 2 box)
6
7
8
9
10
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
Work from home for all employees except those working in essential services
79%
78%
All condo swimming pools and gym facilities will be closed
80%
78%
Pre-schools will be closed but alternative care arrangements will be available
82%
All places of worship like churches and mosques will be closed
80%
All schools will be shut and kids will have to do home-based learning
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
75%
79%
79%
79%
78%
76%
78%
76%
75%
78%
74%
76%
77%
77%
77%
78%
78%
74%
77%
75%
75%
74%
Average
78%
77%
77%
77%
72% 80%
77%
76%
75%
78%
74%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
20
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
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.
77%
How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker? Comment: Growing number want to go back to workplace. Less coping without tuition/enrichment for kids
Rank
11
12
13
Measures imposed during CB % who rated very well/quite well (top 2 box)
No tuition or enrichment classes for kids
No social gatherings of any size
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
81%
76%
15
Limit social contact to immediate family members
75%
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
74%
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
77%
75%
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
75%
72%
77% 72%
70%
Average
75%
73%
74%
75%
74%
73%
75%
74%
72%
69%
71%
71%
70%
69%
69%
73%
69%
74%
71%
70%
(Demographic breaks available on request)
21
70%
67% 76%
No dining out at F&B/restaurant outlets
74%
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
71%
Not able to visit your place of work/employment
14
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
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.
73%
71%
71%
Financial Stress Due to COVID-19 Comment: One third now having to rely on family support (note: pre-Fortitude Budget) % Respondents who answered “Yes”
Working more hours during the current crisis
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
32%
30%
28%
29%
28%
30%
58%
55%
62%
59%
58%
19%
14%
21%
15%
18%
55%
55%
56%
54%
56%
52%
47%
48%
46%
51%
21%
25%
28%
32%
25%
29%
24%
26%
23%
29%
27%
33%
Working less hours during the current crisis
25%
Earning more during the current crisis
10%
Earning less during the current crisis
31%
Getting financial support from the government during the crisis Getting financial support from your employer during the crisis Getting financial support from my family during the crisis
22
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro10 Are you…
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
77%
Average
30% 53% 16% 51% 53% 26% 29%
Government Performance Metrics Comment: Perceived Government performance has neither improved not deteriorated since February. Static. Performance Metric % who rated Excellent (top box)
Keeping the public informed with accurate information about the virus
Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar
29%
World in Crisis 6-7 Apr
24%
Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr
30%
38%
YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr
YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr
YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May
27%
33%
31%
34%
23%
29%
Efforts to reduce the spread of fake news and misinformation about the virus
24%
27%
Putting in place action plans to reduce the risk of the virus spreading
23%
30%
Monitoring people’s temperature when entering public buildings
25%
26%
Minimizing the risk of people bringing the virus from another country
21%
23%
17%
24%
Advising employers on how to minimize workplace health risks during the current outbreak
23%
23%
15%
24%
Efforts to reduce public panic
23
COVID-19 Asia 14-17 Feb
19%
24%
19%
25%
17%
24%
26%
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:
26%
28%
22%
26%
20%
26%
23%
20%
27%
26%
20%
25%
29%
23%
28%
27%
19%
25%
28%
24%
26%
26%
27%
26%
YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May
YKA May-20, W6 18-22 May
29%
28%
23%
23%
23%
21%
25%
24%
25%
23%
25%
23%
24%
23%
Average
30%
24%
24%
24%
24%
24%
23%
Working from Home: The Numbers Comment: More than half want to continue working from home. As in other countries, high incomes more likely to WFH WFH Demographics
Allowed to WFH (at least sometimes) Pre-Crisis
Those who have been WFH during crisis
Gender
Age
Income
27%
44%
73%
56%
Male
74%
Female
73%
Under 40
79%
Over 40
69%
Low/Middle
70%
High
87%
Prefer working where? Prefer WFH
Yes
No
Yes
No
Same as workplace
Prefer workplace
24
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore cb 7 Have you been working from home during the circuit breaker period? cb 8 How do you feel about working from home? cb 10 Did your employer ever allow you to work from home prior to the current COVID19 circuit breaker period?
58%
17%
25%
Working from Home: Where To? Comment: Nearly half of Singaporeans want to work from home after CB. Many now will only choose WFH job options and over half think they should earn a bonus for saving employer money
Positive Aspects
Negative Aspects
Flexibility
66% 52%
Better work life balance Concentrate more
44%
More independence
44%
More productive
39%
Better mental health
39%
The Future for WFH
37%
48%
Results in fewer friends
Less Disciplined
Better suits lazy people
56%
Will only choose jobs that allow some WFH Should get added bonus for WFH as I save money for employer
25
58%
Lack of social interaction
COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore cb 9 Please indicate whether you agree or disagree with the following statements about working from home (WFH) ‌.
42% 36%
59%
I can save more money if I WFH full time
45%
want to WFH post CB
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