Outbreak: Reactions to the Coronavirus Across Asia

Outbreak: Reactions to the Coronavirus Across Asia A Nine Country Study February 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction

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How Worried Are Asians?

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How have Asians Changed Their Behaviour Since the Outbreak?

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Impact on Day to Day Life

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Impact on Economic Activity

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News and Information

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Government Reaction So Far

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Government KPIs Compared

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What’s Next?

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Conclusions

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Survey Details and Methodology

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Research Partners

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INTRODUCTION The coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan could hardly have come at a worse time: sluggish economic growth, the US-China Trade dispute and the Chinese New Year holidays to boot.

Blackbox Research in collaboration with global online leader, Toluna conducted the world’s largest poll on the coronavirus to date. We surveyed 4,111 people across nine Asian countries and territories asking their opinions on the coronavirus outbreak and their governments’ responses.

The survey was conducted from 14th to 17th February across Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Summary of Key Findings • 84% of those surveyed across the region want a blanket ban on flights from China.

• Countries are split on whether the crisis will get worse or better in the next month.

• Japan (85%), Hong Kong (72%), Singapore (64%) and Thailand (56%) believe the number of cases in their country/territory will rise in the coming month. More optimism in South Korea (26%), Indonesia (33%) and the Philippines (35%). Vietnam (49%) and Malaysia (45%) are split on the prognosis.

• Regional anxiety levels are high but do not necessarily correlate with the number of reported local cases: 69% of Vietnamese report they are worried about the outbreak, with 16 cases reported as of 17th February. In contrast, only 32% of South Koreans are concerned, with 30 reported cases.

• General concern at the impact of the outbreak on the local and international economies: 83% of Malaysians believe the outbreak is affecting the international economy. The most optimistic nation is Japan, but still with 58% believing there is an impact. This closely matches opinions of the impact on local economies. Malaysia (77%), Hong Kong (76%) and Singapore (73%) have the greatest perception of impact on the domestic economy; 57% in Japan and Indonesia say the same.

• There is wide disparity in confidence of governments’ reactions to the crisis:

Vietnamese citizens are happiest with their government’s response – 81% say the government has acted appropriately in addressing the virus. In contrast, only 23% of Hong Kongers believe their government has acted appropriately. In fact, 73% of Hong Kong residents believe the government has acted insufficiently or not at all in response to the virus.

• Asians have also shifted their day to day behaviour, with most countries reporting a focus on washing hands, wearing face masks, avoiding crowded places and attending to personal health.

• Across the region, 2% say they are working from home more, the largest number being in Vietnam (40%) and Hong Kong (39%).

In other key findings: • Singaporeans are paying most attention to the news and information about the virus (62%) while Japanese are paying the least attention (19%) • In terms of news coverage, Asians are largely following coronavirus news on television. TV is also seen as the most credible news source.

The exception is tightly controlled Singapore, where online/digital newspapers are being relied on most and government websites are seen as being the most credible news source.

• While only 15% of those surveyed across the region said they view social media news/ information sources as credible, this figure is double in Hong Kong (31%).

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HOW WORRIED ARE ASIANS ABOUT COVID-19?

Top 3 anxiety issues for each country surveyed

Hong Kong

Coronavirus

Social unrest

Having enough money

Indonesia

Corruption

Coronavirus

Terrorism

Japan

Coronavirus

Having enough money

Economy

Malaysia

Coronavirus

Corruption

Economy

Philippines

Coronavirus

Possibility of war

Corruption

Singapore

Coronavirus

Having enough money

My health

South Korea

Economy

Coronavirus

Corruption

Thailand

Economy

Corruption

Coronavirus

Vietnam

Coronavirus

Corruption

My health

Obviously, the current health scare isn’t the only thing on people’s minds. Against a backdrop of many other domestic and international concerns, we explored how worried Asians are about the coronavirus compared to other pressing issues.

We asked respondents to rate how much they worry about the following issues, on a scale of 1-5: Overall, the coronavirus outbreak was the number one concern in six of the nine countries surveyed. The exceptions were Indonesia, where longstanding corruption rates as a higher concern, Thailand, where the state of the economy and endemic corruption were reported as greater reasons for anxiety and South Korea, where the state of the economy is a major concern given the impact of a slowing China on Korean exports.

In South Korea and Indonesia, the coronavirus still ranked as the second

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highest concern and was the third highest in Indonesia.

Anxiety (*cases as per WHO situation report, 17th Feb)

Prima facie, it is clear there is wide-ranging concern

• Vietnam 69% (16 cases*)

across the region about the virus – and the levels of

• Malaysia 66% (22 cases)

concern don’t always correlate with the numbers of cases being reported in each country or territory.

Comparing the survey results with the WHO’s 17th February situation report, we can see that the highest levels of concern are in Vietnam, which had, to date,

• Philippines 61% (3 cases) • HK 55% (57 cases) • Indonesia 50% (0 cases) • SG 46% (75 cases)

experienced 16 cases of the virus. At the other end

• TH 46% (35 cases)

of the spectrum, South Korea had 30 known cases,

• Japan 44% (59 cases)

yet only 32% of the population report that they are

• SK 32% (30 cases)

concerned. We note that cases have since spiked in South Korea so the numbers may have changed since the survey dates.

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HOW HAVE ASIANS CHANGED THEIR BEHAVIOUR SINCE THE OUTBREAK? The threat of pandemic is nothing new to the region so it is hardly surprising that Asians are taking action themselves and quickly altered their habits to prevent infection.

A massive 93% of people in Hong Kong report they are changing their behaviour in one way or another.

Even the least adapting nation in our poll – Japan – has 51% of people changing day to day habits.

Most people reported a new focus on washing hands, wearing face masks, avoiding crowded places and attending to personal health. Across the region, 23% say they are working from home more, the largest number being in Vietnam (40%) and Hong Kong (39%). This is something quite new for many Asian workers. Key insights from the survey reveal: • In every nation polled, more than 88% of people report they are washing their hands more frequently.

• More than 75% of people are avoiding crowded places, except in Indonesia, where that figure drops to 45%.

• In Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, more than 63% of people are taking more care of the general health by eating better, taking vitamins and exercising etc. This drops to 55% in Hong Kong, 43% in South Korea and 37% in Japan.

• 55% of Singaporeans, 50% in the Philippines and 48% of Hong Kongers have stopped shaking hands with people. The figure is less than 29% in all other nations polled, most notably in Japan (16%) and Indonesia (10%).

9 Changes in personal behaviour since the start of the coronavirus outbreak

Washing/sanitizing my hands more frequently

88%

89%

91%

94%

94%

94%

91%

91%

91%

Avoiding crowded places

86%

45%

75%

89%

88%

77%

77%

84%

84%

Taking more care of my personal health e.g. eating better, vitamins, exercise etc

55%

68%

37%

66%

87%

63%

43%

71%

71%

Stopped shaking hands with people

48%

10%

16%

27%

50%

55%

26%

29%

29%

Wearing a face mask all the time in public

92%

61%

80%

63%

68%

35%

83%

82%

91%

Stopped flying/air travel

37%

15%

14%

39%

35%

33%

28%

32%

16%

Shopping online more to avoid the supermarket, department stores etc

35%

15%

15%

28%

19%

27%

34%

28%

37%

Purchased additional food and other essential items for home in case there is a crisis

52%

19%

15%

25%

36%

24%

9%

24%

39%

Working from home more instead of going to the office

39%

11%

9%

25%

22%

23%

11%

21%

40%

Stopped taking public transport

16%

11%

17%

23%

20%

14%

21%

24%

32%

Increased/taken out health insurance

8%

10%

2%

11%

15%

5%

2%

10%

22%

• More than 80% of people in Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong say they are now wearing facemasks all the time when in public. This drops to 68% in the Philippines, 63% in Malaysia and 60% In Indonesia. Singapore is the clear outlier, with only 35% saying they are taking this step.

• Overall, there is a decreased willingness to travel by air, with an average of 28% saying they are no longer taking flights. There is also an average of 20% saying they are no longer taking public transport.

• In terms of shopping, an average of 26% say they are now shopping more online, to avoid physical shops.

An average of 27% say they are stockpiling food and

other essentials in case of a crisis, a figure that spikes in Hong Kong (52%) and Vietnam (39%).

• All nations and territories report people taking out or increasing their health insurance coverage, on average 9% of people. This is notably high (22%) in Vietnam and low (2%) in Japan and South Korea.

It will be interesting to see whether people change their habits further, if this crisis worsens or extends beyond March. We also don’t know yet whether some of these personal measures will emerge as a ‘new normal’ after the outbreak is under control.

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IMPACT ON DAY-TODAY LIFE Without a doubt, many Asians are feeling the virus’ impact on their everyday lives. As was the case with SARS, the potential for pandemic impacts both daily routines as well as people’s mindsets, as revealed by reports of panic buying in several countries.

The Japanese appear to be feeling the day to day impact. In terms of day-to-day lifestyle, family life, working life and arrangements, leisure travel and business travel, only 10-20% of Japanese report that they are affected.

While the reported impact on Thailand is greater than reported by the Japanese, it is still, currently, less what we recorded in other nations and territories Hong Kongers recorded the greatest impact day-today lifestyle, working life and family life, with Vietnam also meaningfully affected in these ways.

South Korea and Malaysia report higher levels of inconvenience when it comes to current impact on work and leisure travel.

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IMPACT ON ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

With the Chinese economy already in slow motion relative to recent times, the coronavirus has the potential to disrupt Asian economies for the rest of 2020.

58% believe the international economy will suffer.

This broadly matches opinions of the impact on local economies: Malaysia (77%), Hong Kong (76%) and

With factories now operating at lower capacity,

Singapore (73%) are gloomiest about the impact

workplaces and daily life disrupted, and major hits

on the domestic economy. In Japan and Indonesia,

to leisure and tourism activity, all together, this could

pessimists still outnumber optimists.

well amplify the direct economic effects of the virus.

With wide consensus that the virus is having a major

Across Asia, the survey recorded widespread belief that the epidemic is having an impact on both the domestic and international economy.

economic effect both locally and internationally, it may be that once the epidemic is under control, Governments across the region will have to work overtime to provide reassurance that things are

At the top, 83% of Malaysians believe the outbreak

back to normal. A failure to rally local populations in

is affecting the international economy. The Japanese

the aftermath may result in suppressed consumer

are seemingly less pessimistic yet still a significant

confidence for some time.

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NEWS AND INFORMATION With fake news and misinformation an increasing concern for authorities everywhere, nations have had to rely on their best communication channels to advise and reassure their people during the current crisis.

Singaporeans have been paying most attention to the news and information about the virus (62%) from an ever vigilant and well supervised local media, while, at the time of the survey, Japanese were paying the least attention (19%). As expected, this closely follows the levels of concern.

In terms of news coverage, Asians across the nine countries surveyed are largely following coronavirus news on television.

TV is also seen as the most credible news source. The exception is tightly controlled Singapore, where online/digital newspapers are being relied on most and government websites are seen as the most credible news source. It is probably not a coincidence that the level of faith in the government’s crisis response and the reliance on government information are both high in the city state.

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While only 15% of those surveyed across the region said they view social media news/information sources as credible, this figure is double in Hong Kong (31%).

This is consistent with recent trends in Hong Kong where suspicions of local media have grown in the wake of the protest movement Challenges may emerge if the epidemic worsens in Japan, where people are paying less attention, or in Hong Kong, where there is a lack of trust in the government at this time. The importance of social media as a news source in Hong Kong may increase the chances of misleading/dubious advice and misinformation influencing public behaviour.

Source of information versus credibitlity of source for information on coronavirus

Government sources are more important and trusted in Southeast Asia.

16 Source of information versus credibitlity of source for information on coronavirus (continued)

Traditional print is not driving information about coronavirus.

Popular in Malaysia and high in credibility in Singapore.

17 Source of information versus credibitlity of source for information on coronavirus (continued)

Remains a crucial medium for most poeople, but fading in importance in Singapore.

Very diverse as a key information source, but typically seens as having lower credibility. Stronger in Hong Kong where mainstream platforms have taken a beating recently.

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GOVERNMENT REACTION SO FAR

In a world where crises can rage out of control quickly

critiquing the government in Vietnam (especially in

via social media and bring down governments, the

surveys) that perhaps plays into this.

effectiveness of official actions under pressure can be tantamount to political survival in some states.

In contrast, only 23% of Hong Kongers believe their government has acted appropriately. In fact, 73%

We asked people to rate their government’s

of Hong Kong residents believe the government has

performance in response to the current crisis, which

acted insufficiently or not at all in response to the

illuminated a vast disparity between countries and

virus. Again, it is likely that extraneous factors are in

territories.

play here. After months of protests, Hong Kongers’

Vietnamese citizens are by far the happiest with their

faith in their government is in general at a low point.

government’s response – 81% say the government

Japan’s lack of satisfaction with its government’s

has acted appropriately in addressing the virus to

response is surprising, given the relatively low levels

date. However, there is a general caution about

of concern and attention being paid to the subject. It

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may be that the on-going quarantine of the Diamond

given credit for the absence of cases reported in

Princess cruise ship in Yokohama, with over 600

the world fourth most populous nation. Others may

confirmed COVID-19 cases, is impacting public

question the veracity of the reporting.

satisfaction with the government.

The large level of approval of the Indonesian state’s actions could well indicate the government being

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GOVERNMENT KPIs COMPARED So how have governments performed so far during the crisis? These scores give us an insight into both how governments across the region manage their messaging during a crisis as well as day to day actions needed to keep the wheels rolling in society.

Again, across all KPIs, Vietnamese people rated their government highly, perhaps indicating a detailed foundation to their general satisfaction with their government’s response to the outbreak.

The Singapore Government also fared well.

Conversely, Hong Kongers were overwhelmingly negative about their government’s activities, except for a more neutral opinion on whether the government has kept people informed with accurate information and on advising employers on minimizing health risks.

All other nations were positive on the details of their governments’ actions to date, though the level of positivity was notably less in Japan.

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How have governments performed in the wake of the coronavirus? (rated as “Very good” and “Excellent”)

Keeping the public informed with accurate information about the virus

Putting in place action plans to reduce the risk of the virus spreading

Efforts to reduce public panic

Efforts to reduce the spread of fake news and misinformation about the virus

Minimising the risk of people bringing the virus from another country

Monitoring people's temperature when entering public buildings

Advising employers on how to minimize workplace health risks during the current outbreak

Legend

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WHAT’S NEXT? To date, predictions as to when the virus will scale down vary. Health officials are still trying to be better understand its nature and underlying patterns of infection.

Saying that, it would seem that we are still some way from resolution so we asked people how they think the next month of this crisis will develop – will the number of cases rise or fall? There were stark differences between the countries surveyed.

Japan is by far the most pessimistic nation, with 85% foreseeing a rise in the number of cases.

Hong Kong (72%), Singapore (64%) and Thailand (56%) also expect the number of cases in their country/territory to rise in the coming month.

There was more optimism in South Korea (26%), Indonesia (33%) and the Philippines (35%), with fewer people predicting a rise in the number of cases.

South Koreans, unfortunately were proved very wrong.

Vietnam (49%) and Malaysia (45%) are more evenly split on the prognosis.

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We also asked how people would react to a blanket ban on flights from China until the mainland situation is under control. An overwhelming 84% of Asians polled would support this measure, in relatively even numbers across the region.

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CONCLUSIONS

Across Asia, the survey reveals that people are

Conversely, however effectively Hong Kong combats

very worried about the corona virus. Most are more

the infection, at this time it would take a lot for Hong

anxious about the outbreak than other major issues of

Kongers to develop new faith in the territory’s Chief

the day including terrorism, economic uncertainty and

Executive, Carrie Lam. Her and her government’s

corruption.

cache are low.

There are varied opinions about whether governments

An investment in transparency can offer governments

are doing enough but very few Asians feel there has

more effective levers in the event of a crisis. For

been an overreaction by their leaders around the region.

example, the statement from Singapore PM Lee

The legacy of SARS appears deeply rooted now. For

Hsien Loong, telling people they didn’t need face

this reason, it is crucial that Asian governments neither

masks unless they are sick, is exactly in line with

underplay or mislead their citizens.

World Health Organisation recommendations. This

The epidemic has had a significant impact on public

authoritative and calm guidance may be the reason

behaviour, though it is unclear which of these new

only 35% of Singaporeans are wearing masks,

habits will become the new normal and which will

compared to 92% of Hong Kongers.

dissipate after the crisis is over. Working from home is one to watch as, until now, it has never been as popular or widespread in Asia as it has in the West.

Extreme measures, for example the support for a blanket ban on flights from China, may garner a government some short-term popular support but

Trust or mistrust of governments seems to amplify

with strong underlying concerns over the impact on

in a crisis. It is likely that the current popularity of

the economy, such measures may prove a double-

Jokowi Widodo in Indonesia is feeding into the

edged sword in the longer term. Support for such a

general support for the government’s response to

move is, in any case, clear evidence that most Asians

the crisis, even as outsiders have raised an eyebrow.

are spooked for now.

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SURVEY DETAILS AND METHODOLOGY Blackbox Research (based in Singapore) in collaboration with global technology survey specialists Toluna, carried out online interviews with n=4111 Asian adults 18 years and above across nine countries between 14-17 February 2020.

Age and gender quotas were applied in line with local national statistics and geographic coverage was taken into account to cover both major urban centres and, where relevant nonurban populations (e.g. Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines). To ensure the timely release of results, weighting has not been applied.

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RESEARCH PARTNERS About Blackbox Research

About Toluna

Blackbox Research is Singapore’s leading home

Toluna is a technology company connecting brands

grown and fully independent social research agency.

with consumers for digital qualitative and quantitative

We specialise in data content and provide research

research. We deliver insights on demand through

and affiliated data plus communications services for

a full spectrum of end-to-end solutions that map

business, governments and NGO clients across Asia.

customer journeys, develop new products and

In Singapore, Blackbox is recognized 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.

For more information, visit www.blackbox.com.sg

much more. Toluna is powered by an innovative platform, best-in-class methodologies and a community panel that is 30+ million members strong.

An ITWP company, we employ 1,400 people in 24 offices across six continents. Please visit us at tolunacorporate.com.

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Some countries and organisations were better prepared for the coronavirus epidemic than others. But however prepared you are, public opinion has a life of its own. Working with governments and corporations, Blackbox and Toluna can help monitor crises so that decision makers have the best information they need to maintain confidence and calm. Are you ready for your next crisis? Contact us now to discuss how we can help you weather the next storm.

Rubyni Karun

Christine Tan

rubyni@blackbox.com.sg

Christine.tan@toluna.com

Contact : +65 6958 7643

Contact : +65 6909 1875