Islanders’ virus worries ease

Wednesday 29 April 2020

Islanders' fears about covid-19 are dying down, new research has revealed.

Last week, 72% of Jersey respondents to an Island Global Research survey said they perceived the level of threat as high or very high, compared to 85% four weeks prior.

Results from Guernsey residents were similar: 60% of respondents saw the level of threat as high or very high last week, compared to 81% four weeks ago.

The Guernsey-based analysis firm has conducted the studies each week for the last month.

Pictured: The latest Island Global Research report shows that fewer respondents think that covid-19 poses a high or very high threat to our islands. 

Published on Monday, the most recent results show that islanders are also more optimistic about when ‘normal’ life will be resumed in the Crown Dependencies than they are about the UK. 

The survey, which was completed by 1,528 residents in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, also reveals how covid-19 is affecting islanders’ mental health and daily lifestyle.

Two-thirds of respondents said the impact of the virus crisis had been more negative than positive, and roughly half said they had found it easy or very easy to comply with stay at home requirements.

Pictured: Respondents were asked about how their lifestyle  had been impacted (top) and how easy or difficult it was to comply with stay at home requirements (bottom). 

The surveys also showed that:

• 43% of respondents have become closer to family, friends and/or neighbours;
• 28% have tried something new or sought to develop their skills; and
• 83% have been making more use of online services.

Islanders can anonymously participate in this week’s survey by clicking HERE.