COVID-19 Community Tracking in Singapore, Wave 2

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

Updated 30 April 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

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.

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 – W/b 20 April • Confidence in national direction dipped to worse levels since January 2020. One in four think that Singapore now heading in the wrong direction • Singaporeans remain uncertain about the future, but fear levels have dropped as people accommodate to circuit breaker life • Impact on work growing – significant jump in those experiencing wage cutbacks and those seeking additional work or engaging in skills upgrades. Job losses to date remain steady • Government performance ratings took the first significant dip since the crisis started, in the wake of escalating COVID19 cases in Singapore

6

COVID19 Community Tracker Singapore

Is Singapore Heading in the Right Direction?

Comment: Nearly one in four now say SG is on the wrong track. Highest since January and grown steady since late March 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

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, W1 13-16 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

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%

25%

27%

52%

54%

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

How Are Singaporeans Feeling?

Comment: Singaporeans are still feeling uncertain and anxious but fear levels have dropped over the month

Latest YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

World in Crisis 6-7 Apr

9

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: Singaporeans appear to be adjusting to life under a circuit breaker.

Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar

Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

26%

32%

39%

35%

52%

52%

46%

49%

18%

14%

15%

4%

2%

13% 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

1%

No change

Day to Day Life Changes: On a Personal Level Comment: Numbers settling down – the new norms in everyday life

Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr

Rank 1

2

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

52%

I’ve been watching more movies/TV

37%

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

30%

4

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

37%

5

I’m feeling a higher level of anxiety than usual

6

I’m feeling a higher level of boredom than usual

Ranked 4 in W1

Ranked 3 in W1

11

37%

29%

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

YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr

56% 60%

60%

57%

44% 42%

3

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

43%

48%

38% 43%

42%

37%

36%

33%

32%

36%

30%

36%

31% 35%

38%

36%

34%

32%

(Demographic breaks available on request)

Day to Day Life Changes: On a Personal Level Comment: Public transport usage continues to fall

Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr

Rank 7

Ranked 8 in W1

8

Ranked 7 in W1

12

I’ve stopped taking public transport

17%

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

22% 30%

YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr

35% 24%

22%

24%

28% 21%

21%

19%

20%

18%

21%

18%

18%

21%

18%

19%

12%

10%

26%

9%

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

26%

22%

19%

19%

14% 11%

(Demographic breaks available on request)

Day to Day Life Changes: In Terms of Work Comment: Wage reductions jumped along with those seeking additional work assignments and skills courses Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr

Rank

1

I now work/study at home every weekday

16%

2

I’ve had my working hours reduced

3

Ranked 4 in W1

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

Ranked 3 in W1

Ranked 6 in W1

6

Ranked 5 in W1

7

13

I’ve had my wages reduced

YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr 26%

29%

30%

29%

17%

17%

19%

18%

18%

15%

14%

16%

22%

17%

16%

16%

15%

19%

17%

16%

15%

14%

14%

20%

15%

15%

14%

14%

I now work/study at home some days

I’ve lost my job

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

7%

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

8%

7%

8%

15%

7%

(Demographic breaks available on request)

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

Resilience Budget Solidarity Budget 27-29 Mar 7-8 Apr

Rank

14

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr

1

I’ve had to go through a period of selfisolation/quarantine

8%

8%

10%

10%

2

One of my friends or work colleagues has contracted the coronavirus

5%

5%

6%

6%

3

One of my family members has contracted the coronavirus

4%

3%

4%

3%

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

9%

5%

3%

(Demographic breaks available on request)

Anticipated Infection Trends in Singapore Comment: More Singaporeans are betting on infection stabilization happening soon

Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar

Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

35%

38%

34%

34%

32%

30%

30%

18%

22%

20%

4% 2%

25%

8%

9%

2%

3%

42%

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

8% 3%

Decrease a lot

Will I Get Infected?

Comment: One in three still believe they are likely to catch COVID19

Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar

Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr

32%

1%

1%

11%

10%

36%

25%

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

Not likely at all

32%

How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker?

Comment: Numbers are quite stable – about 4 in 5 are generally coping ok.

Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

19%

20%

17%

62%

81%

60%

61%

17%

18%

17%

3%

2%

4%

Very well

17

80%

Quite well

Not very well

78%

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: While generally coping, every day restrictions are starting to get to some Singaporeans.

Rank 1

Most bank branches will be shut but you can still withdraw money from ATMs

2

Public swimming pools and community recreational facilities will be closed

3

Government recommends everyone stays at home except when you need to go out and shop or buy medical supplies

4

Rank 5 in W1

5

Rank 5 in W1

18

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

Singaporeans will not be allowed to have staycations at hotels Outdoor exercise allowed but only at a safe distance from others

Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

85%

85%

84%

83%

83%

81%

83%

84%

YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr

79%

83%

80%

82%

78%

81%

79%

79%

80%

80%

75%

80%

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.

(Demographic breaks available on request)

How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker?

Comment: WFH and homebased learning also beginning to wear on more Singaporeans

Rank

Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr

6

All condo swimming pools and gym facilities will be closed

7

All places of worship like churches and mosques will be closed

80%

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

82%

Rank 7 in W1

Rank 8 in W1

8

Rank 6 in W1

19

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

9

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

10

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

80%

80%

79%

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr

78%

78%

78%

78%

78%

79%

74%

78%

76%

78%

78% 77%

79%

75%

77%

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.

(Demographic breaks available on request)

How Are Singaporeans Coping With the Circuit Breaker?

Comment: People are tiring of eating in home

Rank 11

Measures imposed during CB % who rated very well/quite well (top 2 box) No tuition or enrichment classes for kids

Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr

81%

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

74%

YKA Apr-20, W2 Average 20-27 Apr

75%

75% 12

No social gatherings of any size

13

Not able to visit your place of work/employment

76%

76%

20

14

No dining out at F&B/restaurant outlets

15

Limit social contact to immediate family members

70%

77% 75%

74%

72%

69%

69%

73%

77%

76%

74%

72%

71%

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.

(Demographic breaks available on request)

Government Performance Metrics Comment: Escalation of case numbers has impacted on Government perceptions. All performance metrics have dropped and are below ave. mean levels since Feb. Performance Metric % who rated Excellent (top box) Keeping the public informed with accurate information about the virus

29%

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

24%

Efforts to reduce public panic

Putting in place action plans to reduce the risk of the virus spreading Monitoring people’s temperature when entering public buildings

21

COVID-19 Asia 14-17 Feb

Resilience Budget 27-29 Mar

World in Crisis 6-7 Apr

38%

23%

27%

29%

23%

24%

Solidarity Budget 7-8 Apr

YKA Apr-20, W1 13-16 Apr

30%

YKA Apr-20, W2 20-27 Apr

27% 34%

19%

19%

17%

25%

28%

24%

24%

24%

26%

22%

24%

23%

20%

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

23%

Minimizing the risk of people bringing the virus from another country

21%

20%

13% 26% 15%

30%

20%

30% 25%

Average

26%

26%

24%

26%

19%

24%

24%

23%

23%

23%

22%

23% 23%

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:

17%

22%

+65 6323 1351 Blackbox Research is a Singapore based data content specialist. We provide research and affiliated data and communications services for business, government and NGO clients across Asia.

enquiries@blackbox.com.sg www.blackbox.com.sg