COVID-19 Community Tracking in Singapore, Wave 6 (18-22 May)

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.

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 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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