COVID-19 Community Tracking in Singapore, Wave 5 (12-16 May)

12-16 May, Wave 5

COVID19 Community Tracking Singapore How Are Singaporeans Responding to the Crisis?

Updated 21 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

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 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.

3

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

4

COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore

Key Tracking Data

5

Major Takeaways – Tracking Second Week of May

6

•

Singaporeans still overwhelmingly say they are coping with the circuit breaker and sizeable attitudinal and behavioural trends less visible

•

Rise in feelings of uncertainty as we move closer towards the end of circuit breaker period

•

People increasing their screen time along with a growing sense of boredom with home confinement

•

More than one in five now taking upskill related courses as working hours become more and more sluggish

•

Current infections levels likely to continue according to public perceptions – no sense that Singaporeans feel numbers are going down in the short term

•

Mid month measures indicate softening of perceived/actual financial support from any sources (govt, employer, family)

COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore

Is Singapore Heading in the Right Direction?

Comment: Highest since Resilience Budget

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 YKA Apr-20, W1 YKA Apr-20, W2 YKA Apr-20, W3 YKA May-20, W4 YKA May-20, W5 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr 13-16 Apr 20-27 Apr 28-30 Apr 4-8 May 12-16 May

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?

82%

80%

84%

18%

20%

16%

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%

23%

20%

25%

27%

22%

25%

23%

52%

54%

56%

52%

57%

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

YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May

YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May

How Are Singaporeans Feeling?

Comment: Uncertainty on the rise as we head towards post CB period

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

48%

46%

49%

44%

52%

48%

47%

47%

50%

50%

45%

51%

41%

38%

39%

41%

41%

27%

30%

32%

31%

28%

28%

29%

29%

23%

18%

18%

17%

20%

19%

58%

4. Scared

47%

5. Sad

43%

6. Confused

21%

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% 48% 42% 34% 30% 19%

How Are Singaporeans Feeling? (contd.)

Comment: Nothing significant

6.Charitable /caring 7 Determined 8. Neighbourly 9. Different 10. Happy 11. Indifferent

10

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

YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May

YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May

Average

16%

15%

14%

12%

16%

17%

15%

11%

14%

12%

14%

19%

17%

14%

11%

8%

8%

8%

11%

10%

9%

10%

7%

9%

10%

10%

11%

9%

8%

9%

7%

6%

10%

7%

6%

8%

7%

10%

9%

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?

8% 8%

COVID19: Impact on Day to Day Life in SG Comment: COVID life now viewed more as a considerable change rather than a complete 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

YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May

YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May

26%

32%

39%

35%

41%

36%

35%

52%

52%

46%

49%

43%

47%

51%

18%

14%

15%

14%

16%

4%

2%

13% 2%

1%

2%

1%

12% 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

Day to Day Life Changes: On a Personal Level Comment: TV viewing and boredom on the rise Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget YKA Apr-20, W1 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr 13-16 Apr

Rank

1

2

3 4 Ranked 5 in W4

5 Ranked 4 in W4

6

I’ve stopped going out socially and only go out for essential purposes

52%

60%

60%

42%

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

56%

YKA Apr-20, W3 YKA May-20, W4 YKA May-20, W5 Average 28-30 Apr 4-8 May 12-16 May

57%

61%

58%

53%

45%

44%

I’ve been watching more movies/TV

37%

I’ve stopped all outdoor activities (exercise, eating out, etc.)

30%

I’m feeling a higher level of boredom than usual

29%

I’ve bought additional food and daily essentials in case the coronavirus situation worsens

37%

37%

36%

I’m feeling a higher level of anxiety than usual

37%

32%

36%

48%

46%

49% 40%

38% 43% 30%

58%

36%

42% 35%

46% 37%

46% 36% 41%

33%

32%

32%

33%

31%

33%

31%

30%

(Demographic breaks available on request) 12

COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?

40%

35%

34%

33%

Day to Day Life Changes: On a Personal Level Comment: Use of public transport declined last week

Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget YKA Apr-20, W1 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr 13-16 Apr

Rank

13

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W3 YKA May-20, W4 YKA May-20, W5 Average 28-30 Apr 4-8 May 12-16 May

22%

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

20%

18%

21%

18%

11

Relationships with those who live in my household have strengthened

18%

21%

18%

12

Relationships with those who live in my household have frayed under the strain e.g. more arguing etc.

12%

10%

30%

37%

29%

34%

33%

27%

27%

25%

23%

28%

27%

19%

23%

25%

14%

12%

11%

35%

29%

27%

24%

22% 28% 21%

35%

21%

19%

23%

26%

9%

COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?

23%

22% 23%

13%

(Demographic breaks available on request)

21%

12%

Day to Day Life Changes: In Terms of Work Comment: As working hours are reduced, more people are taking courses to upskill Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget YKA Apr-20, W1 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr 13-16 Apr

Rank

1 2 Ranked 3 in W4

3 Ranked 2 in W4

I now work/study at home every weekday

16%

I’ve had my working hours reduced I’ve had my wages reduced

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

29%

30%

29%

17%

17%

19%

18%

15%

14%

16%

16%

16%

22%

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

6

I now work/study at home some days (not every day)

15%

15%

14%

14%

7

I’ve lost my job

7%

8%

7%

8%

14%

36%

27%

29%

17%

21%

19%

19%

19%

17%

18%

18%

17%

15% 19%

15%

YKA Apr-20, W3 YKA May-20, W4 YKA May-20, W5 Average 28-30 Apr 4-8 May 12-16 May

14%

16% 20%

18% 12%

6%

21%

14%

16%

9%

7%

COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?

18%

18%

17%

17%

14%

(Demographic breaks available on request) 14

29%

7%

Day to Day Life Changes: Encounters with COVID-19 Comment: No changes in the wider community.

Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget YKA Apr-20, W1 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr 13-16 Apr

Rank

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W3 YKA May-20, W4 YKA May-20, W5 Average 27-30 Apr 4-8 May 12-16 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%

5%

3

One of my family members has contracted the coronavirus

4%

3%

4%

3%

3%

3%

3%

3%

(Demographic breaks available on request)

15

COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro3 Which of the following have you personally experienced during the current coronavirus crisis?

Anticipated Infection Trends in Singapore Comment: More people think current numbers will continue at current level 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%

34%

32%

30%

30%

26%

27%

27%

18%

22%

20%

25%

30%

34%

8%

9%

37%

2%

3%

20%

17%

5%

5%

4% 2%

8% 3%

21% 6%

Increase a lot

16

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: Fear of wider community infection remains stable

Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar

Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr

32%

25%

1%

1%

11%

36%

22%

33%

34% 22%

52%

51%

49%

16%

12%

15%

17%

Quite likely

YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr

32%

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?

YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May

YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May

1%

1%

11%

9%

1%

10%

52%

Very likely

17

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

11%

9% 23%

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

9% 15%

25%

20%

32%

48%

53%

20%

22%

Not very likely

Not likely at all

19%

53%

18%

30%

How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker?

Comment: 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%

17% 3%

81%

60%

80%

61%

17%

18% 2%

YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May

23%

18%

77%

84%

58%

61%

66%

18%

12%

14%

5%

4%

2%

4%

Very well

18

78%

YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May

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?

84%

How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker?

Comment: People still coping with most things.

Rank

Measures imposed during CB % who rated very well/quite well (top 2 box)

1

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%

84%

83%

84%

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

81%

79%

85%

84% 78%

80%

80%

81%

80%

75%

79%

79%

83%

83%

78%

81%

80%

79%

81%

78%

82%

79%

78%

78%

83%

(Demographic breaks available on request)

19

Average

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.

81%

80%

80%

How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker?

Comment: People still coping with most things.

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

YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May

YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May

6

All condo swimming pools and gym facilities will be closed

80%

78%

78%

76%

78%

76%

7

Work from home for all employees except those working in essential services

79%

78%

75%

79%

79%

79%

8

Pre-schools will be closed but alternative care arrangements will be available

82%

78%

74%

76%

77%

77%

9

All places of worship like churches and mosques will be closed

80%

78%

78%

74%

77%

75%

10

All schools will be shut and kids will have to do home-based learning

80%

77%

76%

75%

78%

(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.

74%

Average

78%

78%

77%

77%

77%

How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker?

Comment: People still coping with most things.

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%

15

Limit social contact to immediate family members

YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr

YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May

YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May

74%

75%

74%

72%

76%

70%

77%

75%

74%

74%

75%

74%

73%

75%

74%

72%

69%

71%

71%

70%

69%

73%

69%

74%

71%

(Demographic breaks available on request)

21

Average

76%

77%

71%

76% No dining out at F&B/restaurant outlets

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

75%

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.

74%

71%

71%

Financial Stress Due to COVID-19 Comment: Drops in financial support from Government, employer and family % Respondents who answered “Yes”

Working more hours during the current crisis

22

28%

29%

28%

58%

55%

62%

59%

52%

19%

14%

21%

15%

16%

55%

55%

56%

54%

50%

52%

47%

48%

46%

54% 26%

32%

30%

25%

Earning more during the current crisis

10%

Getting financial support from the government during the crisis

YKA May-20, W5 12-16 May

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

Working less hours during the current crisis

Earning less during the current crisis

YKA May-20, W4 4-8 May

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

31%

YKA Apr-20, W3 28-30 Apr

77%

Getting financial support from your employer during the crisis

21%

25%

28%

32%

25%

Getting financial support from my family during the crisis

24%

26%

23%

29%

27%

COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore coro10 Are you…

Average

29%

28%

Government Performance Metrics Comment: Slight softening of perceptions of Government performance in latest tracking 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 Solidarity Budget YKA Apr-20, W1 YKA Apr-20, W2 YKA Apr-20, W3 YKA May-20, W4 YKA May-20, W5 Average 6-7 Apr 7-8 Apr 13-16 Apr 20-27 Apr 28-30 Apr 4-8 May 12-16 May

24%

30%

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%

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%

Monitoring people’s temperature when entering public buildings

27%

33%

31% 31%

34%

38% 23%

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%

29% 28%

22%

26%

20%

26%

26%

23%

20%

27%

27%

26%

20%

25%

29%

23%

28%

27%

25%

19%

25%

26%

24%

28%

24%

26%

23%

23%

25%

25%

24%

24%

24%

24%

24%

23%

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