While about 55 percent of the surveyed males agreed that they were tired of watching Indian news channels, nearly 52 percent of females shared the same opinion.

Interestingly, it was people from the northeast (59.3 percent) that were most tired of watching Indian news channels while 47.6 percent of people from Union Territories felt the same way.

When it came to north India, at least 57.9 percent of the respondents felt that they were done watching new channels while nearly 48 percent from the south and 53.6 percent from west India felt the same way.

Among the different income groups, 52.4 percent of the lower-income group felt tired of news channels, while the figures for the middle-income group and higher income group were 54.4 percent and 58 percent, respectively.

On educational levels, 52.2 percent of the lower education group felt that they are tired of watching the news channels while 56.4 percent of people from higher education groups felt likewise.

A slight difference of opinion on the same question was also observed in respondents from rural and urban India. While 55.5 percent of people from urban India shared the tiredness of new channels, 52.8 percent of rural India felt likewise.

On an age basis, among those in the age group from 18 years to 55 years and above, the percentage ranged from 52.4 percent to 55 percent.

Talking specifically, in the age group between 18 years to 24 years, 52.4 percent said that they are tired of watching Indian news channels, while the level was 55.9 percent among those aged between 25 to 34 years and 52.3 percent among the age group from 35 to 44 years. The figure for those aged 55 and above was 52 percent.

The sample size of the survey, conducted in the last week of September and the first week of October across India covering all districts in all states and representing the demographic profile according to the latest census figures, was 5,000 plus. The MoE (margin of error) is +/- 3 percent at the national level and +/- 5 percent at regional levels.

(CVoter India)

October 14, 2020

Source: http://www.cvoterindia.com/indians-tired-of-watching-tv-news/

659-43-27/Country Profile: India

SUMMARY OF POLLS

ASIA

(India)

54% of Indians tired of watching TV news

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed a new media landscape of India. According to the findings of IANS-CVoter Media Consumption Tracker, 54 percent of respondents admitted to being tired of watching the TV news channels while 43 percent disagreed. While about 55 percent of the surveyed males agreed that they were tired of watching Indian news channels, nearly 52 percent of females shared the same opinion. Interestingly, it was people from the northeast (59.3 percent) that were most tired of watching Indian news channels while 47.6 percent of people from Union Territories felt the same way. (CVoter India)

October 14, 2020

(India)

During Covid, people still thinking about vacation. India’s preferred holiday destinations revealed

New data released today by YouGov reveals the destinations which holiday-makers in India are next planning to visit. Despite the chilling effect that travel restrictions are having on the travel industry, people are still spending time thinking about their next trip, as the ranking reveals. The ranking shows where people are most likely to visit when they are next in the market to plan a holiday – even if that could be some way off yet. (YouGov)

October 13, 2020

MENA

(KSA)

Riyad bank creates greatest Ad Awareness in Saudi Arabia in September

During September, Riyad Bank achieved the highest uplift in Ad Awareness of any brand in Saudi Arabia. Riyad Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Saudi Arabia, enjoyed the greatest improvement in Ad Awareness of any brand during September. The uplift coincides with the brands Blood Donation drive as well as their 75th National day campaign both of which appear to have resonated with the public. (YouGov)

October 07, 2020

AFRICA

(South Africa)

Few Basotho support government regulation of access to Internet and social media, Afrobarometer survey shows

Only about one-third of Basotho support government regulation of access to the Internet and social media, according to a recent Afrobarometer survey. A slim majority favour unrestricted access, which they believe helps users become more informed and active citizens. The Lesotho Communications Authority has proposed new rules requiring social-media users to obtain an Internet broadcasting allowance if they have 100 or more followers or post material accessible to at least 100 Internet users in the country. (Afrobarometer)

October 09, 2020

EUROPE

(Spain)

Only 38% of Spaniards claim to be happy

Happiness in Spain has decreased by 8 points compared to 2019. We are the country with the highest percentage of the population that claims not to be happy at all, with 13%. Physical and mental health ranks as the greatest source of happiness for 6 out of 10 Spaniards. Happiness is for most people the ultimate goal to aspire to, the ultimate goal of all decisions made during life. However, to quote the philosopher Nietzsche, ' the destiny of men is made of happy moments, all life has them, but not of happy times.' (Ipsos)

October 08, 2020

(France)

Despite the crisis and uncertainty, the French are keeping their spirits

While 2020 will remain in everyone's minds a complicated year, the new wave of the Ipsos Global Advisor study “The Global Happiness Index” gives another perspective to these recent months so special. The study, conducted in twenty-seven countries around the world, asked citizens whether they felt happy and sought to find out the reasons for their happiness. If in many countries, the happiness index has experienced a significant decline, the French are meanwhile 78% to declare themselves happy, a figure down only 2 points compared to last year, despite health difficulties. and economic experiences in the country. (Ipsos)

October 08, 2020

(Sweden)

What makes Swedes boycott a brand?

When a brand is at the center of a scandal or negative reporting, it usually affects consumer confidence - at least for a period of time. YouGov has investigated what causes consumers in 10 European countries to boycott a brand permanently or temporarily. When looking at Europe, it is mainly Spaniards (50%) and Danes (45%) who are inclined to distance themselves from a brand due to a scandal or negative reporting. At the other end of the scale are countries such as Austria (30%), Sweden (29%) and Norway (28%), where less than a third would boycott a brand in the event of a scandal or negative reporting. (YouGov)

October 14, 2020

(Norway)

What makes Norwegians boycott a brand?

When a brand is the subject of a scandal or negative publicity, it usually goes beyond consumer confidence, at least for a while. YouGov has investigated what causes consumers in 10 European countries to boycott a brand permanently or temporarily. When looking at Europe, it turns out that it is especially Spaniards (50%) and Danes (45%) who are inclined to turn their backs on a brand as a result of a scandal or negative publicity. At the other end of the scale, we find countries such as Austria (30%), Sweden (29%) and Norway (28%), where less than a third have boycotted a brand after a scandal or negative publicity. (YouGov)

October 14, 2020

(UK)

What do Britons make of alternative asylum policies?

Brits believe the current system works badly but they aren’t convinced by different options either

Home Secretary Priti Patel has made headlines in recent weeks with alternatives for how asylum seekers arriving in the UK might be handled, including suggestions of overseas processing centres and using ferries to house those making claims for asylum in the UK. But what do Brits make of both the current system and the alternatives recently suggested? (YouGov)

October 06, 2020

(UK)

Brexit: Brits least confident in Europe of UK negotiating strength

British belief that the government has the advantage in the Brexit negotiations has been gradually falling over the last six months. In March 26% of Britons thought the UK was on top; that figure is now just 18%. Half (51%) of Brits now believe the EU to have the upper hand in the negotiations, up from 41% in March. The French are the only nation surveyed where a greater proportion believe Britain to have the upper hand in the ongoing negotiations, at 39% for the UK vs 30% backing the EU. (YouGov)

October 08, 2020

(UK)

Which Brits are drinking bottled water every day?

We used YouGov Profiles to compare the Brits who drink bottled water every day with those that never do. Some people swear by it while others think you should just use the tap – but how do bottled water drinkers and bottled water abstainers differ? Our data shows that around a third (35%) of British adults drink bottled water once a month or less. However, a fifth (22%) never do it at all while a similar proportion are at the other end of the scale and drink it every day (18%). But who are they? (YouGov)

October 08, 2020

(UK)

Majority of Britons support local lockdowns, even if it impacts them directly

New Ipsos MORI poll shows seven in ten support local lockdowns in areas where coronavirus is rising. A new Ipsos MORI poll finds that seven in ten (73%) Britons support local lockdowns in areas where coronavirus is rising and 68% of people support implementing local lockdowns where they live if needed. Support remains strong for the “rule of six” and six in ten people would also support banning all travel in and out of the country. (Ipsos)

October 11, 2020

(UK)

Demand for business leaders to speak out on social and political issues rises, amid growing alarm about climate change and coronavirus

Research from Ipsos MORI and the Good Business Festival highlights that two-thirds of people want business leaders to speak out on social and political issues, as disillusionment in government persists. The British public are increasingly calling for business leaders to be vocal about social and political issues as trust in politicians remains low, according to new research from Ipsos MORI published today to mark the launch of The Good Business Festival. (Ipsos)

October 08, 2020

NORTH AMERICA

(USA)

Americans' Readiness to Get COVID-19 Vaccine Falls to 50%

Americans' willingness to be vaccinated against the coronavirus has dropped 11 percentage points, falling to 50% in late September. This sharp decline comes after the percentage dwindled from 66% in July to 61% in August. Americans' willingness to be vaccinated to prevent COVID-19 if it was available right now at no cost since July. Currently, 50% say they are willing but prior to now, readings have been between 61% and 66% . (Gallup USA)

October 12, 2020

(USA)

Americans View Biden as Likable, Honest; Trump, as Strong

Among eight character dimensions, Americans' perceptions of President Donald Trump and Joe Biden differ most on likability: 66% of U.S. adults believe Biden is likable, while 36% say Trump is. Americans are also more likely to perceive Biden than Trump as being honest and trustworthy and as caring about the needs of people like them. Trump surpasses Biden only when it comes to being a strong and decisive leader. (Gallup USA)

October 12, 2020

(USA)

COVID-19 and Remote Work: An Update

The coronavirus pandemic has affected U.S. workplaces like nothing else in modern history, including high unemployment, the shuttering of businesses, and the shift of many workers to off-site, remote work. Gallup has been tracking full- and part-time U.S. workers' activity and attitudes amid the COVID-19 pandemic using its online, probability-based panel survey since March. The latest data, from September 14-27 polling, have provided further insights about the evolution of workers' views of remote working. (Gallup USA)

October 12, 2020

(USA)

Mask Use Linked to More Accurate Perceptions of COVID-19

Despite ongoing debate over the politicization of face mask use, the vast majority of Americans -- 80% -- now say they would be highly likely to wear a mask tomorrow if they were out of their house and in an indoor space. Democrats are somewhat more likely than Republicans, 87% to 74%, to say they would be highly likely to wear a mask outside the home. Eight in 10 Americans would be "highly likely" to wear masks tomorrow if out of the house and in an indoor space. 74% of Republicans, as well as 87% of Democrats and 78% of Independents would be "highly likely" to wear masks tomorrow if out of the house and in an indoor space. (Gallup USA)

October 07, 2020

(USA)

45% of Parents Very Worried Kids Will Get COVID-19 at School

Almost half (45%) of U.S. parents report they are "very worried" that their children will contract COVID-19 at school or in childcare facilities. Twenty-seven percent report they are "somewhat worried," 13% are "not too worried" and 9% are "not at all worried." Parents whose child or children are enrolled in schooling (93% of all parents with children from birth to 18 years of age) were asked what type of schooling they currently want their child's school to offer. Most parents who have one or more children enrolled in school would prefer that their child's school have some level of in-person learning, either full time or part time, with some distance learning. (Gallup USA)

October 07, 2020

(USA)

Majority Trust Biden to Lead Healthcare System Amid COVID-19

By a 52% to 39% margin, Americans trust Joe Biden over Donald Trump to lead the U.S. healthcare system most efficiently amid COVID-19. These data are based on a new study conducted by West Health and Gallup in the two days immediately following the first presidential debate, but before President Trump was diagnosed with COVID-19. The results largely run along party lines with Biden supported by 95% of Democrats and Trump supported by 88% of Republicans. However, among independents, Biden is trusted (47%) over Trump (40%). (Gallup USA)

October 07, 2020

(USA)

Republicans who rely most on Trump for COVID-19 news see the outbreak differently from those who don’t

Attitudes about the coronavirus outbreak differ widely by party in the United States. But among Republicans, opinions also differ considerably by source of news, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. Republicans and GOP-leaning independents who rely most on President Donald Trump and his coronavirus task force for news about COVID-19 – one of 10 news sources the Center asked about – stand out in several ways in their attitudes about the outbreak. (PEW)

October 12, 2020

(USA)

Partisans in the U.S. increasingly divided on whether offensive content online is taken seriously enough

Americans are divided on whether offensive content online is taken seriously enough and on which is more important online: free speech or feeling safe. Republicans and Democrats have grown further apart when it comes to these issues since 2017. Overall, 55% of Americans say many people take offensive content they see online too seriously, while a smaller share (42%) say offensive content online is too often excused as not a big deal, according to a new Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted in early September 2020. (PEW)

October 12, 2020

AUSTRALIA

Victorians now against Stage 4 Covid Restrictions

Now a majority of 56% of Victorians want Melbourne’s restaurants/hotels/clubs/cafes to be allowed to provide table service with proper social distancing – up a large 19% points from three weeks ago (37% on Sep. 8/9, 2020) according to the fifth Roy Morgan Snap SMS survey on Victoria’s Stage 4 restrictions. While the Andrews Labor Government still has a small lead on a two-party preferred (2PP) basis (51.5% ALP cf. 48.5% L-NP) Daniel Andrews’ approval is down 9% points in three weeks to 61%. (Roy Morgan)

October 05, 2020

MULTICOUNTRY STUDIES

The state of happiness in a COVID world

Global Happiness 2020 survey shows happiness has receded in many, but not all countries since last year. Six in ten adults across 27 countries (63%) are happy, according to the latest Ipsos survey on global happiness. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of happiness at an aggregate level is nearly unchanged from last year. However, year-over-year, the incidence of happiness shows significant shifts in many countries: it has declined by eight points or more in Peru, Chile, Mexico, India, the United States, Australia, Canada, and Spain, while it has increased by more than eight percentage points in China, Russia, Malaysia, and Argentina. (Ipsos)

October 07, 2020

Who do people in APAC want to win the US presidential election?

Last week YouGov revealed that major European countries all wanted Joe Biden to win the US presidential election. This week a look at a selection of eight countries and regions in the Asia-Pacific area reveals a more mixed picture. Unlike in Europe where every country favoured the Democratic challenger, President Trump does find himself ahead in one place in APAC: Taiwan, where he leads by 42% to 30%. However, Taiwan is the only place in the study where this is the case. Trump’s next strongest base is in Hong Kong, where he is preferred by 36% of people to Joe Biden’s 42%. (YouGov)

October 15, 2020

More Than Half of the World Worries About Food, Water Safety

More than half of adults surveyed in 142 countries and territories in 2019 said they were at least somewhat worried that the food they eat (60%) or the water they drink (51%) would seriously harm them in the next two years. More than half also expected they would be seriously harmed in that time frame by eating or drinking unsafe food (57%) or water (52%). Over one in six adults (17%) -- or roughly 1 billion people -- said they or someone they know had experienced serious harm from eating food in the past two years. Nearly as many, 14%, said they had experienced harm from drinking water in that time frame. (Gallup USA)

October 09, 2020

ASIA

659-43-01/Poll

54% of Indians tired of watching TV news

While about 55 percent of the surveyed males agreed that they were tired of watching Indian news channels, nearly 52 percent of females shared the same opinion.

Interestingly, it was people from the northeast (59.3 percent) that were most tired of watching Indian news channels while 47.6 percent of people from Union Territories felt the same way.

On educational levels, 52.2 percent of the lower education group felt that they are tired of watching the news channels while 56.4 percent of people from higher education groups felt likewise.

On an age basis, among those in the age group from 18 years to 55 years and above, the percentage ranged from 52.4 percent to 55 percent.

(CVoter India)

October 14, 2020

Source: http://www.cvoterindia.com/indians-tired-of-watching-tv-news/

659-43-02/Poll

During Covid, people still thinking about vacation. India’s preferred holiday destinations revealed

New data released today by YouGov reveals the destinations which holiday-makers in India are next planning to visit.

Despite the chilling effect that travel restrictions are having on the travel industry, people are still spending time thinking about their next trip, as the ranking reveals.

The ranking shows where people are most likely to visit when they are next in the market to plan a holiday – even if that could be some way off yet.

YouGov’s data is revealed as part of new report called Vacation Dreams – Where the world wants to go on its holidays. It shows that even though traveler’s preferences may be changing as a result of the pandemic, that change is not uniform and that some destinations are faring better than others in the public’s perception.

Eva Satkute Stewart, Global Sector Head for Travel and Tourism at YouGov: “Data from our daily consumer perception survey shows two trends emerging in various parts of the world. First, there’s fatigue from lockdowns and people are thinking about where they might go on vacation next. And second, perceptions of destinations amid the pandemic can change so it’s important for destination marketers to keep an eye on how people see them. At this time it is more important than ever for the sector to know what the public is thinking.

As part of DestinationIndex survey we also measure peoples’ intent to visit destinations and there’s a notable shift in consumer sentiment about travelling long distances, which was at an all-time low at the start of the pandemic. People are again becoming more comfortable with the idea being on the plane for longer and thinking about going to destinations that, at the moment in many cases, have closed their borders to international travel. Our report reveals changes for six select markets in different parts of the world – US, Australia, Germany, India, UAE, and the UK – with increased positive scores towards long-haul travel destinations.”

(YouGov)

October 13, 2020

Source: https://in.yougov.com/en-hi/news/2020/10/13/during-covid-people-still-thinking-about-vacation-/

MENA

659-43-03/Poll

Riyad bank creates greatest Ad Awareness in Saudi Arabia in September

During September, Riyad Bank achieved the highest uplift in Ad Awareness of any brand in Saudi Arabia

Riyad Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Saudi Arabia, enjoyed the greatest improvement in Ad Awareness of any brand during September. The uplift coincides with the brands Blood Donation drive as well as their 75^th National day campaign both of which appear to have resonated with the public.

YouGov brand tracking data shows that the campaign has resonated with the general public, with Riyad Bank’s Ad Awareness score rising by 7.8 points, from +17.4 at the beginning of the month, to +25.2 on the 29^th September.

Among the younger Population (18-34 year olds) these numbers are even higher, with Ad Awareness reaching +25.6 at the end of September, increasing by 9.8 points throughout the month.

Looking at how this uplift in Ad Awareness has impacted Consideration for Riyad Bank, at the total population level, Consideration has increased by a significant 4.2 points. However, among the 18-34 age group, Consideration for Riyad Bank has increased significantly, by 7.3 points, from +12.2 in August (simple average for the month), compared to +19.5 for all of September. Amongst the over 35 age group, the uplift was a non-significant 1.2 points. This shows that while the adverts have cut through and were noticed at the total population level, when analysing the impact of the campaign, the behavioural changes were more apparent amongst the younger population, 18-34 year old audience.

The success of these campaigns will continue to be tracked in BrandIndex over the coming weeks, and we will get a better idea of whether these campaigns have translated to greater Current Customer numbers for Riyad Bank in KSA.

(YouGov)

October 07, 2020

Source: https://mena.yougov.com/en/news/2020/10/07/riyad-bank-creates-greatest-ad-awareness-saudi-ara/

AFRICA

659-43-04/Poll

Few Basotho support government regulation of access to Internet and social media, Afrobarometer survey shows

Only about one-third of Basotho support government regulation of access to the Internet and social media, according to a recent Afrobarometer survey.

A slim majority favour unrestricted access, which they believe helps users become more informed and active citizens.

The Lesotho Communications Authority has proposed new rules requiring social-media users to obtain an Internet broadcasting allowance if they have 100 or more followers or post material accessible to at least 100 Internet users in the country. Critics have slammed the proposed rules as a government attempt to regulate online speech.

Among Basotho who have heard of social media, a majority say the platform has both good and bad effects, though its overall impact is more widely seen as positive than negative.

(Afrobarometer)

October 09, 2020

Source: https://www.afrobarometer.org/press/few-basotho-support-government-regulation-access-internet-and-social-media-afrobarometer

EUROPE

659-43-05/Poll

Only 38% of Spaniards claim to be happy

Happiness is for most people the ultimate goal to aspire to, the ultimate goal of all decisions made during life. However, to quote the philosopher Nietzsche, ' the destiny of men is made of happy moments, all life has them, but not of happy times .'

However, without going into definitions of what happiness is in itself, many are those who wonder if they really are happy, if they are now more than in other years or what are their reasons for being so. These are some of the questions that Ipsos has posed in its Global Happiness 2020 study. An annual study that this year acquires even more relevance due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic around the world.

Among the 27 countries analyzed, 6 out of 10 respondents define themselves as 'very' or 'quite' happy, with China and the Netherlands being the happiest countries (93% and 87% respectively) followed by Saudi Arabia (80%), France (78%) and Canada (78%). At the opposite extreme, we find Peru as the most unhappy country in the world, where only 32% of its population claims to be happy. It is followed by Chile with 35%, Spain (38%), Argentina (43%) and Hungary (45%). In the case of Spain, in addition to being the third most unhappy country in the world, it is the country with the highest percentage of people who declare not being happy at all (13%), followed by Argentina and Chile (12% each).

Happiness: 2020 Vs 2019

Compared to 2019 and despite the strong impact of Covid-19 throughout the planet, happiness worldwide has remained almost unchanged (63% in 2020 and 64% in 2019) . If we analyze it by country, we see how in China, Russia, Malaysia and Argentina the percentage of people who declare themselves happy has even increased by 5 points or more. We find the opposite effect in a total of 12 countries, where happiness has decreased by 5 points or more, highlighting countries such as Peru, where we see the most drastic change (-26 points), followed by Chile (-15 points), Mexico ( -13 points) and India (-11 points). In the case of Spain, happiness has decreased from one year to the next by a total of 8 pointss. In 2019, 46% of Spaniards claimed to be happy, compared to 38% who maintained this statement in 2020.

What makes us happy in the middle of Covid-19?

Respondents had to choose from 29 potential sources of happiness. Those five sources are: the first, health and physical well-being is the main source of happiness for 55% of those surveyed. In second place, with 49% we find the relationship with their spouse or partner , at the same level as the happiness that their children bring (49%). Feeling that their life has meaning is the fourth source of happiness for 48%; and finally, living conditions (water, food, housing ...) are for 45%.

In the case of Spain, the sources of purpose practically coincide with the global ones: for 61% of those surveyed the main source of happiness would also be physical and mental health, followed by the relationship with their partner (53%), feeling that their life has meaning (51%), the children (49%) and lastly, the living conditions (47%). On the contrary, the things that make Spaniards least happy are the idea of moving to another country (7%), time spent on social media (9%), religious or spiritual well-being (14%) or being recognized as a successful person (24%).

At a general level, the study shows that the main sources of happiness tend to be universal . In 14 of the 27 countries studied, the top five sources of happiness are among the top 10 sources globally, thus showing that happiness does not understand cultures or policies.

(Ipsos)

October 08, 2020

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/es-es/global-happiness-study-2020

659-43-06/Poll

Despite the crisis and uncertainty, the French are keeping their spirits

The French, happier than the others?

Since the beginning of the year, the health and economic crisis generated by covid-19 has been unprecedented: it is in this context that Ipsos has unveiled the results of its World Happiness Index, which measures like every year in 27 countries in the world citizens' morale and their relationship to happiness: are they happy?

While the study reveals that happiness has logically declined in many countries, it reveals that globally, more than 6 in 10 adults (63%) say they are happy , a level almost unchanged from last year ( -1%), but well below compared to 2011 (-14%).

With a score of 78% (-2 points compared to 2019, and minus 6 points compared to 2011), France is in fourth position among the countries where the population declares the happiest , tied with Canada. It is thus ahead of Australia, Great Britain and even Sweden.

In some countries, morale is also in free fall : this is the case in Peru (-26%), Chile (-15%) and Mexico (-13%).

“ If we go back in time, saying they are happy plunged among the French from December 2010 (88%) to March 2017 (68%) to rise quickly enough to 80% in 2019. Yellow vests, strikes, covid-19 … They may be more resilient and optimistic than they want them to be believed, or else, by dint of being hammered on since the 1975s, the word “crisis” slides over them like water on duck feathers. »Analyzes Yves Bardon, Director of the Flair program, Ipsos Knowledge Center.

Does money bring happiness ?

But what makes the French happy? Their greatest source of happiness is their well-being and physical health (88%) . The financial criterion occupies the second step of the podium: 86% of French people thus evoke money as a condition for their happiness . They are also 80% to cite their material living conditions .

Money yes, but not at any price: 84% of French people believe that their life must have a meaning in order to feel fully fulfilled . In this context, social relations have a central place, where sometimes even friendly life takes precedence over family life: for 83% of French people, friends are thus a source of happiness , in front of having a fulfilling sex life. (72%) , a romantic partner (71%) , or even children (65%) .

“ It should also be noted that these results are revealing of the gap between the responses on the personal situation of the French and those, systematically negative, on the general state of the country: the economy, economic leadership, and the overall health of France are among the elements which cause the least happiness to our fellow citizens ”comments Yves Bardon .

On a global scale, each country has its keys to happiness. The assumed materialism of the French brings them closer to Hungary, Russia and even South Korea, while having friends is the number one criterion for Australians, Belgians and British. Finally, being recognized as someone who has succeeded comes first in Turkey where it is a criterion for only 52% of French people , while having free time for oneself dominates in Brazil (85%, versus 78% in France).

(Ipsos)

October 08, 2020

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/fr-fr/malgre-la-crise-et-lincertitude-les-francais-gardent-le-moral

659-43-07/Poll

What makes Swedes boycott a brand?

When looking at Europe, it is mainly Spaniards (50%) and Danes (45%) who are inclined to distance themselves from a brand due to a scandal or negative reporting.

At the other end of the scale are countries such as Austria (30%), Sweden (29%) and Norway (28%), where less than a third would boycott a brand in the event of a scandal or negative reporting.

In addition, in the majority of countries surveyed, men are more likely to boycott a brand compared to women.

Consumers often boycott brands in the food and finance sector

In all countries, the food sector is hardest hit by brand boycotts, while banks and the financial sector are also losing customers due to scandals.

The fashion industry is also represented in many of the countries, including Norway, Sweden and Finland. Here, Denmark and Italy differ from the rest of the countries by more often distancing themselves from brands in the telecom industry, while in Spain it more often affects supermarkets.

Europeans value the environment, animal welfare and the working environment highly

Swedes generally agree with other Europeans that environmental impact, neglect of animals and unfair treatment of employees are the main reasons for boycotting a brand.

Here, Danes differ from the rest of the countries as the most common reason for a boycott in Denmark is tax evasion and tax evasion (42%).

In Spain, it is to a greater extent cases of corruption (29%) that cause consumers to boycott a brand, while Finns place more emphasis on the origin of materials and raw materials (38%).

The report, which also paints a picture of Swedish boycotts of brands, can be downloaded here .

(YouGov)

October 14, 2020

Source: https://yougov.se/news/2020/10/14/vad-far-svenskarna-att-bojkotta-ett-varumarke/

659-43-08/Poll

What makes Norwegians boycott a brand?

When looking at Europe, it turns out that it is especially Spaniards (50%) and Danes (45%) who are inclined to turn their backs on a brand as a result of a scandal or negative publicity.

At the other end of the scale, we find countries such as Austria (30%), Sweden (29%) and Norway (28%), where less than a third have boycotted a brand after a scandal or negative publicity.

In most of the countries surveyed, men are more likely to boycott a brand than women.

Consumers often boycott brands from the food and finance sector

In all countries, the food sector has been hardest hit by brand boycotts, but banks and financial institutions are also losing customers as a result of a scandal.

The fashion industry is also represented in many of the countries, including Norway, Sweden and Finland. Here, Denmark and Italy stand out by turning their backs more often on brands from the telecommunications industry, while in Spain it is more often the supermarkets.

Europeans place great emphasis on the environment, animal welfare and working conditions

Europeans generally agree that harm to the environment, mistreatment of animals and unfair treatment of employees are the main reasons for boycotting a brand. Norwegians highlight negative effects on consumer health as a reason to stop using a brand.

Here, the Danes clearly stand out in that the most common reason for a boycott in Denmark is tax evasion and evasion (42%).

In Spain, there are more cases of corruption (29%) that cause consumers to boycott a brand, while Finns place greater emphasis on where materials and raw materials come from (38%).

(YouGov)

October 14, 2020

Source: https://yougov.no/news/2020/10/14/hva-far-nordmenn-til-boikotte-et-merke/

659-43-09/Poll

What do Britons make of alternative asylum policies?

Brits believe the current system works badly but they aren’t convinced by different options either

But what do Brits make of both the current system and the alternatives recently suggested?

Does the current system work?

Priti Patel has called the UK’s current system “neither firm nor fair” and the majority of Britons across all political parties agree that the system is working badly in its current state.

Among the general population, only 6% say the system is working well to some extent, with the majority (64%) saying the system currently in place is working badly. A significant portion of the population (29%) are unsure whether the system works well or not.

There is a broad consensus among the political parties, with 70% of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats as well as 64% of Labour supporters all saying the system works badly in its current state.

When it comes to quotas of who should be allowed to settle in Britain, adults struggle to agree on how they should be managed. However, there is a broad desire of keep quotas as they are (with some exceptions).

For example, more than two fifths (46%) of Brits say that there should be an increase in the number of people allowed to settle in the UK whose aim is to work for the NHS. Four in ten (40%) think that we should maintain the current limit on wealthy people looking to move to the UK to invest in businesses.

The biggest disagreement is over low skilled workers. Here, 29% say the current limit should be kept, another 23% believe fewer people in this group should be allowed to settle, and 20% think low skilled workers should not be allowed to settle in the UK at all.

Which alternative asylum policies are good ideas?

A number of alternative suggestions for how asylum could be changed have been made recently.

When asked about four of the potential approaches, Brits are more likely to think they are bad ideas than think they are good. Using disused ferries to house asylum seekers off the UK’s coast is the most supported, with a third (35%) of adults saying this is a good idea. However, two fifths (44%) say it’s a bad idea.

The Foreign Office had said it had carried out an assessment using Ascension Island – a British overseas territory over 7,000km from the UK – as an asylum centre. However only around a quarter (28%) of Brits said that using British Overseas Territories would be a good way to replace our current asylum system. The Foreign Office has also now stated it has decided to not to proceed with the plans to use Ascension Island, a move in line with the 48% of Britons who disagree with using overseas territory for this purpose.

Islands of the coast of Scotland have also been suggested as potential sites for new asylum processing centres, with 28% of Brits also saying this would be a good idea, compared to the 49% who think it’s a bad idea. This particular suggestion is not popular with Scots, only 18% of whom say it would be a good idea (with 58% in opposed).

Conservative voters are far more likely than supporters of the other parties to be in favour of the suggestions. Most notable is the 51% of Tory voters who support the use of disused ferries to house asylum seekers off the coast. This compares to 21% of Labour voters and 29% of Liberal Democrats.

Around two fifths (42%) of Conservatives also support the use of overseas territories to process asylum seekers coming to the UK, compared to 16% of Labour and 22% of Liberal Democrats who are also in agreement.

Using decommissioned oil platforms in the North Sea was also discussed by the Home Office according to a report by The Times, however the least popular of the ideas YouGov asked about, with 39% of Conservatives believing this is a good idea, compared 17% and 15% of Labour and Lib Dem voters respectively.

(YouGov)

October 06, 2020

Source: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2020/10/06/britons-opinions-alternative-asylum-policies-uk

659-43-10/Poll

Brexit: Brits least confident in Europe of UK negotiating strength

Little optimism for a trade deal being agreed amongst both Brits and EU countries

Despite Boris Johnson securing a landslide victory for the Tories in 2019 with the promise to ‘get Brexit done’, Brits are now least likely of all our EuroTrack countries (Britain, France, Germany, Denmark and Sweden) to think that Britain has the upper hand in the Brexit negotiations.

Half (51%) of Brits now believe the EU to have the upper hand in the negotiations, up from 41% in March.

The French are the only nation surveyed where a greater proportion believe Britain to have the upper hand in the ongoing negotiations, at 39% for the UK vs 30% backing the EU.

Those in Denmark are more assured of the EU dominating Britain in the negotiations, with just 23% favouring Britain compared to 50% who believe that the EU hold the trump cards.

This comes as British and EU negotiators enter into the ninth round of Brexit negotiations in order to try and secure a trade deal before the transition period ends on 31 December.

However, after three years of Brexit negotiations, all countries surveyed are pessimistic about the outcome, with most no longer confident a trade deal will be agreed this year..

Brits are again the most pessimistic, with just 15% confident compared to 72% who are not confident. In Germany just 17% are confident a trade deal will happen, Denmark 15%, Sweden 20% and France 20%.

With the deadline looming, do people think the two sides still even want a deal in the first place? A majority in every country certainly feel this is the case when it comes to the EU.

But there is less of a consensus when it comes to whether the UK wants a deal. Those living in Germany are completely split on the issue, with 35% saying they think Britain does want a deal and 35% saying they don’t. Brits themselves are similarly split when it comes to their own government’s intentions (39% do want a deal, 34% do not), while people in France, Sweden and Denmark tend to think they do by wide margins.

(YouGov)

October 08, 2020

Source: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/politics/articles-reports/2020/10/08/brexit-brits-least-confident-europe-uk-negotiating

659-43-11/Poll

Which Brits are drinking bottled water every day?

We used YouGov Profiles to compare the Brits who drink bottled water every day with those that never do

Some people swear by it while others think you should just use the tap – but how do bottled water drinkers and bottled water abstainers differ?

Our data shows that around a third (35%) of British adults drink bottled water once a month or less. However, a fifth (22%) never do it at all while a similar proportion are at the other end of the scale and drink it every day (18%). But who are they?

YouGov Profiles shows that daily bottled water drinkers are pretty evenly spread throughout the over-25s – making up 30% of 25-39 year-olds, 31% among those aged 40-59 and 26% of the 60+ bracket. However, it is a different story when it comes to those who never drink bottled water. Here, fewer than one in five 25-39 year olds fit into this category, rising to 30% among those aged 40-59 and 42% of the 60+ population.

There is no real gender split between daily bottled water drinkers (50% male and 50% female) and those who abstain (48% male and 52% female).

The data shows that there is a clear difference between the two groups when it comes to the question of whether water has a taste. Those who drink bottled water every day (65%) are notably more likely than those who never do (46%) to say that it does. Inversely those who never have bottled water are much more likely (44%) than bottled water drinkers (21%) to think it doesn’t.

However, despite drinking bottled water every day, these adults are not much more likely to say they never drink tap water (9%) than those who never do (7%).

With the issue of single use plastics becoming ever more prevalent, YouGov Profiles shows that those who drink bottled water every day are almost identical to those who never do when it comes to choosing sustainable brands when shopping.

Around half of each group (49% of bottle water drinkers and 51% of abstainers) agree that they prefer sustainable brands. Around a fifth of each (21% and 20% respectively) say they don’t.

(YouGov)

October 08, 2020

Source: https://yougov.co.uk/topics/consumer/articles-reports/2020/10/08/which-brits-are-drinking-bottled-water-every-day

659-43-12/Poll

Majority of Britons support local lockdowns, even if it impacts them directly

New Ipsos MORI poll shows seven in ten support local lockdowns in areas where coronavirus is rising.

A new Ipsos MORI poll finds that seven in ten (73%) Britons support local lockdowns in areas where coronavirus is rising and 68% of people support implementing local lockdowns where they live if needed. Support remains strong for the “rule of six” and six in ten people would also support banning all travel in and out of the country.

Support for further coronavirus restrictions - October 2020 - Ipsos MORI

There is +6 net support for closing all restaurants, pubs and bars and when it comes to a full national lockdown the are split, with 43% supporting and 40% opposing the idea.

The British public strongly support the majority of current measures, including face masks in shops and public transport (81%), the two week quarantine from countries with a high number of cases and encouraging people to work from home (both 76%) and local lockdowns (75%).

Support for current coronavirus restrictions - October 2020 - Ipsos MORI

The majority of the British public trust scientists (60%), but this falls to 50% when asked about their level of trust for scientists advising the UK Government, down 5 percentage points since August.

Just 1 in ten (11%) people have heard of the Great Barrington Declaration against COVID-19 restrictions.

Ben Page, CEO Ipsos MORI, said:

After months of lockdowns, semi lock downs, and huge disruption from COVID-19 the British public remain highly concerned about the virus. The majority of people are willing to make significant personal sacrifices to curb the rise in infections, even if that means local lockdowns in their own area.

(Ipsos)

October 11, 2020

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/majority-britons-support-local-coronavirus-lockdowns-even-if-it-impacts-them-directly

659-43-13/Poll

Demand for business leaders to speak out on social and political issues rises, amid growing alarm about climate change and coronavirus

The British public are increasingly calling for business leaders to be vocal about social and political issues as trust in politicians remains low, according to new research from Ipsos MORI published today to mark the launch of The Good Business Festival.

Two-thirds (68%) of people think business leaders have a responsibility to speak out on social and political issues affecting the UK, rising from 62% in 2019, as Britons put their trust in business leaders above trust in government – one in five (19%) regard business leaders as trustworthy, vs only 1 in 10 (13%) considering politicians to be trustworthy. This pattern reflects that observed in longer-term trend series such as the Ipsos MORI Veracity Index, which shows that while trust in business leaders to tell the truth has steadily risen since 2000, from 28% to 35% in 2019, trust in politicians has sunk from 20% to 14%.

The findings come as concerns about climate change and coronavirus in particular are high. Ipsos MORI recorded a further escalation in concern about climate change in September – with 83% of the British public believing that we are heading for environmental disaster unless we change our habits quickly, rising despite the COVID-19 pandemic from 78% recorded by Ipsos Global Trends in 2019. At the same time, the Ipsos MORI Issues Index shows that public worry about COVID-19 is undimmed from earlier in the year, with 77% mentioning as a big issue for Britain in September.

For many, 2020 has exacerbated concerns around the economy, Brexit and the environment, which along with the arrival of coronavirus, have increased the focus on the role of business and government to do the right thing for society, and align with their personal values: 72% of Britons are looking to buy brands that reflect their personal values, up from 56% in 2019.

Ben Page, Chief Executive, Ipsos MORI commented:

COVID-19 has seen public expectations - and trust - in business rise. People want to see brands that align themselves with their values and Chief Executives who stand up and be counted. It is clear that most people in Britain think business can make money and do good at the same time.

Wayne Hemingway MBE, Creative Director, The Good Business Festival, commented:

We strongly believe in the power of business to effect positive change and this research suggests the Great British Public share that view. The current pandemic has increased our expectations of business to act purposefully and younger generations in particular are showing increasing interest in knowing which companies and brands are doing the right thing for society. In today’s inaugural Good Business Festival, we are bringing together the smartest minds from the business world with creative thinkers to drive the campaign for good business forward and drive positive change in society.

A global leader in market research, Ipsos MORI is an official partner of The Good Business Festival, which is bringing together some of the biggest names in business and society to debate the big issues facing a world rocked by both pandemic and lockdown, and drive forward the campaign for good business.

Commissioned by Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram, and curated by Culture Liverpool and Hemingway Design, The Good Business Festival aims to unite the growing global community of businesses and conscious consumers who believe business can deliver meaningful, positive change in society.

(Ipsos)

October 08, 2020

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/ipsos-mori/en-uk/demand-business-leaders-speak-out-social-and-political-issues-rises-amid-growing-alarm

NORTH AMERICA

659-43-14/Poll

Americans' Readiness to Get COVID-19 Vaccine Falls to 50%

Line graph. Americans' willingness to be vaccinated to prevent COVID-19 if it was available right now at no cost since July. Currently, 50% say they are willing but prior to now, readings have been between 61% and 66%.

Meanwhile, according to Gallup Panel data from Aug. 17-30, the percentage of Americans who are inclined to delay returning to their normal daily activities until a vaccine is available is at a new high of 26%.

Roughly the same proportion of Americans (27%) say they are ready to resume their normal activities right now, matching the average since April. Nearly half are waiting for fewer COVID-19 cases in their state -- either for a significant decline in new cases (20%) or until after no new cases emerge (27%).

Line graph. What needs to happen for Americans to be willing to return to their normal activities since late March. Currently, 26% say they need a COVID-19 vaccine developed before they will resume day-to-day activities. The percentage has gradually increased since May.

Democrats Rethinking the Coronavirus Vaccine

The decline in Americans' readiness to be vaccinated obscures divergent trends among party groups, with Republicans showing increased willingness to be vaccinated but Democrats and independents showing decreased comfort levels.

After two months of Democrats being more likely than Republicans to say they would be vaccinated, about half of all political party groups now say they would get the vaccine. This marks a new low among Democrats and independents, while Republicans' interest in getting the vaccine has returned to the levels recorded in July, up from their low point in late August.

Line graph. Americans' willingness to be vaccinated right away if an FDA-approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19 was available among partisans since July. Currently, 53% of Democrats, 49% of Republicans and 47% of independents would get the vaccine. Democrats and independents have become less willing but Republicans have become more willing.

Democrats' reduced confidence follows President Donald Trump's Labor Day announcement that a coronavirus vaccine could be ready in October, as well as subsequent news reports stating that Trump is eager to see a vaccine delivered before the election. Trump's accelerated timeline does not align with that of many government health experts, and this disagreement has raised concerns as to whether a vaccine distributed that soon would be effective and safe.

Democrats may be answering Gallup's question about getting an FDA-approved vaccine "right now" in the context of Trump's position, not as a hypothetical scenario. However, a recent CNN poll also found a decline in public willingness to get the vaccine, from 56% in August to 51% in early October, without mentioning a timeframe. That question reads, "If a vaccine to prevent coronavirus infection were widely available at a low cost, would you, personally, try to get that vaccine, or not?"

Taking the two results together, it appears some Americans have lost confidence in the safety of the approval process for the vaccine, and are not merely answering as if a vaccine were literally available "right now."

Young Adults Remain Most Willing to Be Vaccinated

Gallup tracking of Americans' willingness to be vaccinated has, since early August, consistently found young adults to be more positive than middle-aged and older adults. That continues even today as fewer among all age groups say they would get the vaccine if one were available right now.

Line graph. Americans' willingness to be vaccinated right away if an FDA-approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19 was available among age groups 18-34, 35-54 and 55 and older since July. Currently, 62% of 18-34 year-olds, 44% of 35-54 year-olds, and 47% of those aged 55 and older would get the vaccine.

Less Than Half of Women Now Willing to Be Vaccinated

Until now, men and women had consistently expressed similar rates of willingness to be vaccinated, but women's comfort level dropped more than men's in the latest reading, so there is now a 12-point gap between them: 56% of men versus 44% of women say they would get it.

Line graph. Americans' willingness to be vaccinated right away if an FDA-approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19 was available among genders. Currently, 56% of men and 44% of women would get the vaccine.

While the poll did not ask adults with children under 18 whether they would get their child vaccinated, those with minor children at home are less likely than those without to say they would be vaccinated themselves. The figure among parents has now fallen below 50% for the first time, to 44%, while a slight majority of nonparents (52%) still say they would be vaccinated.

Line graph. Americans' willingness to be vaccinated right away if an FDA-approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19 was available among parents of children under 18 years old and those who do not. Currently, 52% of parents of minor children and 44% of those who are not parents of minor children would get the vaccine.

Bottom Line

A COVID-19 vaccine is reportedly coming, but how soon it arrives could affect Americans' willingness to receive it. By previously setting Nov. 1 -- two days before Election Day -- as a marker for vaccine approval and distribution, the Trump administration may have raised doubts in Democrats' and independents' minds about its safety. (Administration officials have since amended their proposed timeline, now expecting that a vaccine could be available in January 2021.) Trump's advocacy for a coronavirus vaccine appears to have had the opposite effect on Republicans, who are showing renewed interest in getting it.

(Gallup USA)

October 12, 2020

Source: https://news.gallup.com/poll/321839/readiness-covid-vaccine-falls-past-month.aspx

659-43-15/Poll

Americans View Biden as Likable, Honest; Trump, as Strong

Bar graphs. Americans are more likely to say Joe Biden than Donald Trump is likable, is honest and trustworthy, and cares about the needs of people like you. More Americans say Donald Trump than Joe Biden in a strong and decisive leader. The candidates are rated about equally as to whether they display good judgment in a crisis, can manage the government effectively, keep their promises and can bring about changes this country needs.

The results are based on a Sept. 14-28 Gallup poll, conducted before the candidates' first presidential debate and Trump's recent hospitalization after being infected by the coronavirus. It is the first time Gallup has measured Biden's character profile. In addition to being likable, honest and caring, a slim majority also thinks the former vice president can manage the government effectively. Slightly fewer than half think the four other character traits describe Biden, including 46% saying he keeps his promises and is a strong and decisive leader, his lowest ratings.

Trump registers majority agreement on only the strong and decisive leadership dimension. Americans are evenly divided on whether he can manage the government effectively (48% say he can; 52% say he cannot) and bring about changes the country needs (47% vs. 53%).

Gallup has measured perceptions of Trump's personal qualities periodically throughout his presidency, and his ratings have for the most part varied little since he became president. This includes his likability rating, which was 37% when Gallup asked about it previously in June 2018.

As with likability, honesty has always been a weakness for Trump, with typically fewer than 40% saying he is honest and trustworthy, although more do so now than during the 2016 campaign (33%).

The biggest change in Trump's character ratings as president is in keeping his promises, which tumbled from 62% to 45% after the Republican Party failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act on its first attempt in March 2017. Since then, his ratings on this dimension have ranged between 44% and 47%.

Slightly fewer now (47%) than when he was inaugurated (53%) say Trump can bring about changes the country needs.

Leadership has always been a relative strength for Trump. The 56% who currently say he is a strong and decisive leader is similar to what it was in the fall of 2016 (57%), when he was campaigning for president, and the 59% measured after he was inaugurated. It has been closer to 50% for most of his presidency before recovering somewhat in the latest poll.

Trump's current rating on being able to manage the government effectively is his best to date, surpassing the 44% measured shortly after his inauguration.

Four in 10 Republicans Say Biden Is Likable

As would be expected, Republicans believe each of the eight positive characteristics applies to Trump but not Biden, while Democrats believe each quality applies to Biden but not Trump. Generally speaking, no less than 80% of partisans believe a character trait applies to their own party's candidate, and no more than 20% believe the trait applies to the other party's candidate.

There is one exception to this pattern in Republicans' ratings of the two candidates on the likability dimension -- 68% of Republicans believe Trump is likable, and 40% say the same about Biden.

More independents believe Biden than believe Trump possesses each of the character traits except for being a strong and decisive leader, something 55% of independents say applies to Trump and 45% to Biden.

Ratings of Presidential Candidate Characteristics, by Political Party

	Republicans		Independents		Democrats
	Trump	Biden	Trump	Biden	Trump	Biden
Is likable	68	40	32	66	12	90
Is honest and trustworthy	83	16	31	54	9	86
Cares about the needs of people like you	91	17	38	55	10	92
Displays good judgment in a crisis	87	10	37	50	12	85
Can manage the government effectively	93	8	43	53	10	94
Keeps his promises	91	5	37	48	7	88
Can bring about changes this country needs	93	3	41	48	7	93
Is a strong and decisive leader	93	6	55	45	18	86
GALLUP SEPT. 14-28, 2020

Bottom Line

If Trump wins a second term, he will do so in spite of some character concerns held by the American public. No more than four in 10 consider the president likable or honest. Trump did win the 2016 election when concerns about his honesty were just as prevalent, likely because Americans did not regard his opponent, Hillary Clinton, as being honest. But that situation does not apply this year, with Americans giving Biden a significant edge for being honest and an even wider one for being likable.

Trump does have an advantage over Biden when it comes to being seen as a strong and decisive leader. That may reflect his unwavering positions on issues such as immigration, trade, deregulation, and law and order.

While the personal images of the candidates will matter, the election will not come down to character alone, with policy issues, the state of the nation and Trump's performance in office also helping to decide the outcome.

(Gallup USA)

October 12, 2020

Source: https://news.gallup.com/poll/321695/americans-view-biden-likable-honest-trump-strong.aspx

659-43-16/Poll

COVID-19 and Remote Work: An Update

Gallup has been tracking full- and part-time U.S. workers' activity and attitudes amid the COVID-19 pandemic using its online, probability-based panel survey since March. The latest data, from September 14-27 polling, have provided further insights about the evolution of workers' views of remote working.

Here are the main takeaways:

1. Many Americans who were working remotely to avoid catching or spreading COVID-19 in April and May have since returned to their workplaces. A new 33% low say they are "always" working remotely, down from 51% in April amid the height of restrictions on businesses and schools. That 18-percentage-point shift has been offset by a seven-point uptick in the percentage who are now "sometimes" working remotely (from 18% to 25%) and a larger 11-point increase in the percentage "never"' working remotely (from 31% to 42%).

Gallup's recent annual Work and Education poll showed similar findings, suggesting that remote work may have reached its ceiling during the pandemic, given that not all jobs can be performed off-site.

RemoteWork

Line graph. U.S. workers' frequency of remote work to avoid catching or spreading the coronavirus. Currently, 33% are always working at home, and 25% are sometimes doing so. Forty-two percent are never working remotely. In April, amid tighter restrictions, 51% of U.S. workers were always remote, 18% were sometimes doing so and 31% were never working remotely.

2. U.S. workers' reports of the number of employees who have returned to their workplaces has risen sharply since April when a slim majority said very few (36%) or none (16%). Currently, workers say all/nearly all (46%) or some (20%) employees are on-site, while 23% say very few and 9% none.

U.S. Workers' Reports of On-Site Work at Their Workplace

To what extent are employees currently working on-site at your place of work?

	Apr. 2020	Jun. 2020	Sep. 2020
	%	%	%
All or nearly all employees	28	37	46
Some employees	18	21	20
Very few employees	36	29	23
No employees	16	12	9
GALLUP, 2020

3. A majority of workers are not concerned about being exposed to the coronavirus at their workplace. This includes 26% who are "not too" and 29% "not at all" concerned. Yet, 11% are "very" and 34% "moderately" concerned. Readings on this measure have not varied much since May when it was first asked in the poll. By then, Americans had become more confident that they could protect themselves from COVID-19.

Exposure

Line graph. U.S. workers' concern about being exposed to coronavirus at their place of work.

Workers' reports of increased cleaning measures, social distancing and the use of personal protective equipment on the job have likely also contributed to their lack of concern about contracting the virus at work.

4. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers who have been working remotely during the pandemic would like to continue to do so. In all, 35% of those who have worked remotely would simply prefer to do so while 30% would like to do so because of a concern about COVID-19. Another 35% say they would like to return to working at their office.

WorkPreference

Line graph. Remote workers' preference for work after restrictions on businesses and school closures are lifted -- 35% would simply prefer to work remotely and 30% would want to do it because of concern about the coronavirus. Thirty-five percent of remote workers would prefer to return to working in an office. These readings have been fairly constant.

Bottom Line

While there are still some restrictions on Americans' activities aimed at limiting the spread of COVID-19, U.S. workplaces have made some strides in getting back to business as usual. A majority of U.S. workers now say at least some of the employees at their workplaces are on-site. Yet, nearly half of workers say they are concerned about contracting the virus at work, and most workers who have worked remotely during the pandemic want to continue doing so.

(Gallup USA)

October 12, 2020

Source: https://news.gallup.com/poll/321800/covid-remote-work-update.aspx

659-43-17/Poll

Mask Use Linked to More Accurate Perceptions of COVID-19

MasksInsidePartisan@2x

Bar graph: Eight in 10 Americans would be "highly likely" to wear masks tomorrow if out of the house and in an indoor space. 74% of Republicans, as well as 87% of Democrats and 78% of Independents would be "highly likely" to wear masks tomorrow if out of the house and in an indoor space.

Many mask-wearers likely feel they have little choice: 78% of Americans say their state or local government requires them to wear a mask in public. Among this group, 81% say they would be highly likely to wear a mask tomorrow if out of the house and in an indoor space. Even among those who do not live in states with such requirements, 78% say they would be highly likely to wear a mask.

Mask use does vary by age, but it is prevalent even among the youngest adults. Among Americans age 18 to 24, 63% say they would be highly likely to wear a mask tomorrow if outside their house and in an indoor space, while 24% say they would be somewhat likely to do so.

These results are based on more than 5,017 web-based surveys completed September 4-13 as part of the Franklin Templeton-Gallup Economics of Recovery Study. This study is conducted via an opt-in web panel. The sample has been adjusted statistically to ensure it represents key subgroups in their proper proportions of the U.S. adult population.

Americans Who Wear Masks in Public Less Likely to Have Misperceptions

More than any demographic, attitudinal or behavioral variable analyzed in the survey, Americans' demonstrated understanding of the coronavirus is predictive of mask use -- a key insight for public health officials. Most directly relevant to their likelihood to take precautionary measures is Americans' awareness that COVID-19 can be spread by people who are infected but show no symptoms. Overall, 69% of Americans say this is "definitely true," while 25% say it is "probably true," and 6% say it is probably or definitely false.

MaskAsympt

Bar graph: Seven in 10 Americans say it is definitely true that COVID-19 can be spread by infected people with no symptoms, while 2% say it is definitely false

Though a relatively small proportion of Americans say it is probably or definitely false that the coronavirus can be spread by infected people without symptoms, this belief is associated with a substantially lower likelihood to wear masks in public. Overall, 10% of Americans say they have not worn a mask when outside their home in the past seven days -- but this figure rises to 34% among those who believe asymptomatic transmission is false.

Americans who do not believe COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not show symptoms are significantly less likely to wear masks in public.

MasksSymptoms@2x

Bar graph. Americans usage of face masks over the last seven days. 96% of those that say that COVID-19 can be spread by asymptomatic individuals is definitely true have worn masks. 88% of those that say that COVID-19 can be spread by asymptomatic individuals is probably true have worn masks. 68% of those that say that COVID-19 can be spread by asymptomatic individuals is probably or definitely false have worn masks

Even among those who live in states that require mask use in public, 32% of those who believe it is probably or definitely false that COVID-19 can be transmitted by infected people with no symptoms say they have not worn masks outside the home in the past seven days.

Americans are also somewhat less likely to wear masks if they mistakenly believe that COVID-19 has caused fewer deaths in the U.S. this year than the flu and traffic accidents. For example, 87% of those who believe the flu has caused more deaths have worn masks outside the home in the past seven days, vs. 95% of those who know COVID-19 has caused more deaths. (The CDC estimates that 34,200 Americans died of flu-related causes in the 2018-2019 flu season, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 36,120 Americans died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2019. By contrast, more than 200,000 Americans have died from coronavirus-related causes so far in 2020).

Americans with misperceptions about COVID-19 severity less likely to wear masks

The percentages of Americans who say the following, and who wore masks outside of the home in the last seven days.

	Yes, wore a mask
	%
COVID-19 has caused more deaths than flu	95
Flu has caused more deaths than COVID-19	87
COVID-19 has caused more deaths than traffic accidents	94
Traffic accidents have caused more deaths than COVID-19	89
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON-GALLUP ECONOMICS OF RECOVERY STUDY, SEPTEMBER 4-13

Americans Who Do Not Wear Masks Also More Likely to Report Negative Reactions From Family and Friends

The current results also suggest Americans who do not wear masks in public may face social consequences. Overall, two in 10 adults (20%) say they have experienced negative social reactions from friends or family members because of their personal choices related to the coronavirus; however, this figure rises to about three in 10 (29%) among those who say they have not worn masks in public in the past seven days.

Notably, the gap is even wider and nearly identical among members of the two major political parties. However, Americans who are not affiliated with either major party are less likely overall to say they have experienced negative reactions because of their coronavirus choices; they show little difference between those who have and have not worn masks outside the home in the past week.

MaskNegReact

Bar graph: Americans who do not wear masks in public more likely to have experienced negative reactions because of coronavirus choices. 20% of Americans who have negative reactions from close friends or family due to their personal COVID-19 choices wore masks within the last week, while 29% have not.

Implications

Over the course of the COVID-19 crisis, media reports have periodically highlighted behaviors among certain social or demographic groups -- particularly young adults -- suggesting they are less likely than others to take coronavirus precautions seriously. However, results from the last Gallup/FT survey offer evidence that the most important factor in Americans' decision to do so is exposure to accurate information about the pandemic from sources they trust.

Researchers have noted that this is the first pandemic of its kind in the era of social media, creating unprecedented communication challenges for public health officials. Rather than focusing solely on reaching all Americans with information about the crisis, officials must now also concern themselves with countering false information and helping Americans distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information online. More than ever before, public health officials must understand the media habits of specific population groups in order to tailor messages that actively fill knowledge gaps and counter myths in order to save lives.

(Gallup USA)

October 07, 2020

Source: https://news.gallup.com/poll/321221/mask-linked-accurate-perceptions-covid.aspx

659-43-18/Poll

45% of Parents Very Worried Kids Will Get COVID-19 at School

U.S. Parents' Worry That Their Children Will Be Infected With COVID-19 at School

How worried are you that your child will get the coronavirus at their school or childcare center?

	Parents with children aged 0-18
	%
Very worried	45
Somewhat worried	27
Not too worried	13
Not at all worried	9
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON-GALLUP ECONOMICS OF RECOVERY STUDY, SEPT. 4-13, 2020

These results are from the Franklin Templeton-Gallup Economics of Recovery From COVID-19 study, based on more than 5,000 web-based surveys conducted via an opt-in panel. The sample of U.S. adults was weighted to represent the entire U.S. adult population.

About Half of "Very Worried" Parents Prefer Remote Instruction

Parents whose child or children are enrolled in schooling (93% of all parents with children from birth to 18 years of age) were asked what type of schooling they currently want their child's school to offer. Most parents who have one or more children enrolled in school would prefer that their child's school have some level of in-person learning, either full time or part time, with some distance learning. However, about a third of parents would prefer that their child's school offer full-time remote learning, and that rate increases among those who are very worried their child will contract the virus.

When parents are asked which of a series of factors affect their attitudes toward in-person instruction, cleanliness and sanitation procedures, requirements of daily health screenings, effectiveness of remote learning and mask-wearing requirements are the most important.

The Impact of School and Work Factors on U.S. Parents' Willingness to Send Their Children to Full-Time, In-Person School

Do each of the following have a major impact, minor impact or no impact on your feelings about sending your children to full-time in-person school?

	Major impact	Minor impact	No impact
	%	%	%
Cleanliness and sanitation procedures of school	51	33	16
Requirements for daily health screenings of students, teachers and staff	47	34	18
Effectiveness of remote learning	46	36	18
Requirements for students, teachers and staff to wear masks at school	46	33	20
Class size	44	32	24
Amount of outdoor recreation and activities	38	40	22
Work requirements for your job	37	32	31
Amount of outdoor instruction	36	41	23
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON-GALLUP ECONOMICS OF RECOVERY STUDY, SEPT. 4-13, 2020

The implementation of safety steps has a greater impact on the feelings toward in-person schooling among those who are very worried about their children contracting COVID-19 at their school or childcare center. Two-thirds of parents who are very worried -- versus less than one-third who are not "very worried" -- say requirements for daily health screenings would have a major impact on their feelings. Parents who are very worried are also more likely than those who are not to say cleanliness and sanitation, class size and mask-wearing requirements would have a major impact on their feeling about in-person schooling for their child(ren).

The Impact of School and Work Factors on U.S. Parents Sending Their Children to In-Person School, by Their Level of Worry Their Children Will Contract the Disease

	"Very worried"	Not "very worried"
	%	%
Requirements for daily health screenings of students, teachers and staff	66	31
Cleanliness and sanitation procedures of school	63	40
Class size	62	27
Effectiveness of remote learning	61	33
Requirements for students, teachers and staff to wear masks at school	60	34
Work requirements for your job	54	22
Amount of outdoor recreation and activities	53	25
Amount of outdoor instruction	51	22
FRANKLIN TEMPLETON-GALLUP ECONOMICS OF RECOVERY STUDY, SEPT. 4-13, 2020

Summary

K-12 schools nationally are navigating and transitioning between in-person, remote and hybrid learning options as the COVID-19 virus continues to spread. As school systems struggle, so do parents who are juggling work and the reality of remote learning and the unpredictability of in-person school. Full economic recovery will remain out of reach until schools can safely instruct students in person, as parents have to be able to participate fully in the economy -- as consumers and as employees. The monitoring and supervision required for remote learning affect these parents' ability to leave the home and engage in a series of activities, as well as their productivity within their workplace, which has a significant and detrimental impact on employers.

Yet in-person instruction is unlikely to succeed if schools cannot implement required safety protocols that scientists report are necessary to slow the virus' spread. Such steps -- sanitation procedures, daily health screenings and social distancing -- are among the measures concerned parents most want to see in order to send their children back to school.

(Gallup USA)

October 07, 2020

Source: https://news.gallup.com/poll/321512/parents-worried-kids-covid-school.aspx

659-43-19/Poll

Majority Trust Biden to Lead Healthcare System Amid COVID-19

Trust in Biden is substantially higher among women (58% to 32%) and among young adults under the age of 30 (62% to 25%). Among those who watched the debate, the results were similar to the overall total, with Biden holding a 53% to 40% edge.

Candidate Most Trusted to Lead U.S. Healthcare System Amid COVID-19

Which presidential candidate do you trust to lead the U.S. healthcare system most efficiently in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic?

	Joe Biden	Donald Trump	Other candidate
	%	%	%
U.S. total	52	39	9
POLITICAL IDENTITY:
Democrat	95	3	2
Republican	5	88	7
Independent	47	40	13
GENDER:
Women	58	32	10
Men	46	48	7
AGE:
18-29	62	25	12
30-44	56	32	12
45-64	45	48	7
65+	48	46	4
West Health-Gallup Post Debate National Healthcare Poll, Sep 30-Oct 1, 2020
GALLUP PANEL

These results are based on a survey conducted by web from Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2020 with 1,518 adults, ages 18+, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia via the Gallup Panel, a scientifically populated panel of about 100,000 adults nationwide.

Reducing Cost of Healthcare Matches Pandemic in Voting Importance

Survey respondents were also asked to evaluate the importance of three health-related issues in determining their vote for president in the 2020 U.S. election: managing the coronavirus pandemic, reducing healthcare costs and lowering drug costs. Of these, managing the coronavirus pandemic and reducing the cost of healthcare were both cited as the most important or among the most important issues by two-thirds of respondents, compared with 45% for lowering drug costs.

Democrats are considerably more inclined than Republicans to report high importance on the pandemic (94% to 41%) and on reducing the cost of healthcare (81% to 52%) in influencing their vote. Conversely, about one-quarter of Republicans place low importance on the pandemic, compared with 12% of independents and just 1% of Democrats.

Reducing the costs of drugs, though lower in importance than the other two issues, is also the least politically polarizing; Democrats are only modestly more likely to report its influence on their vote.

Importance of Candidate's Position on Determining Vote in 2020 Presidential Election

How important are each of the following in determining your vote for president in the 2020 elections?

	U.S. total	Democrat	Republican	Independent
	%	%	%	%
MOST OR AMONG MOST IMPORTANT:
Managing the coronavirus pandemic	67	94	41	64
Reducing the cost of healthcare	66	81	52	62
Lowering the cost of drugs	45	49	41	44
LEAST OR AMONG LEAST IMPORTANT:
Managing the coronavirus pandemic	12	1	24	12
Reducing the cost of healthcare	6	2	8	8
Lowering the cost of drugs	12	12	12	11
West Health-Gallup Post Debate National Healthcare Poll, Sep 30-Oct 1, 2020
GALLUP PANEL

Black and Hispanic adults are somewhat more likely to place high importance on healthcare costs and managing the pandemic than are White adults. Black respondents assert a particularly high importance on managing the pandemic in their vote choice, reported by 88% compared with 71% among Hispanic respondents and 62% among White respondents.

Biden Trusted More to Ensure Racial Equality in Healthcare

A 54% majority also trusts Biden more to ensure racial equality in access to quality healthcare compared with 38% for Trump. While White adults are evenly split, an overwhelming majority of Black respondents trust Biden more (84% to 9%), while Hispanic respondents are twice as likely to better trust Biden (60% to 31%).

Candidate Most Trusted to Improve Racial Equality in Healthcare

Which presidential candidate do you trust more to improve racial equality in the access to quality healthcare in the U.S.?

	Joe Biden	Donald Trump	Other candidate
	%	%	%
U.S. total	54	38	8
RACE/ETHNICITY:
White Americans	46	45	8
Black Americans	84	9	7
Hispanic Americans	60	31	9
GENDER:
Women	61	30	8
Men	46	46	9
AGE:
18-29	67	20	13
30-44	58	30	12
45-64	46	47	6
65+	49	47	4
West Health-Gallup Post Debate National Heatlhcare Poll, Sep 30-Oct 1, 2020
GALLUP PANEL

As with trust in managing the healthcare system amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden's leads in trust regarding equality in access to care are greatest among women (61% to 30%) and those aged 18-29 (67% to 20%). Among men and adults aged 45 and older, the two candidates are equally trusted.

Implications

Even before President Trump's diagnosis with COVID-19, which has had the effect of re-elevating the coronavirus issue in the national dialogue, managing the pandemic carried significant importance to U.S. adults in determining their vote for president. This is sensible given the impact of the pandemic on everyday life in the United States; out of the 128 countries worldwide with at least 5,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the U.S. has the 8^th highest per capita death rate and has suffered the highest overall death count globally with over 210,000 total fatalities.

But the importance of U.S. healthcare more generally should not be understated as a major factor in influencing Americans' voting choice. Reigning in the cost of care is considered as important as the pandemic itself by U.S. adults, highlighting how this issue maintains a prevailing presence in voters' minds. And Biden's trust advantage in managing the healthcare system amid the pandemic underscores the intersection between the two issues.

The 2020 election season has also been characterized by racial strife and civil unrest, as well as the disproportionate COVID death rate and the disproportionate COVID positivity rate among Black and Hispanic persons. And despite the decline in the uninsured rate among these groups since the onset of the ACA's Health Insurance Marketplace, access to quality affordable care remains a critical issue for voters. Biden's trust advantage to manage this issue among Black and Hispanic adults likely contributes to support for his candidacy generally among these voter blocks.

Distinct differences are found between White and non-White Americans concerning healthcare worries amid the pandemic. For example, by a margin of nearly two to one, 58% of non-White adults in June reported that they were either "extremely concerned" or "concerned" about not being able to pay for the cost of care if diagnosed with COVID-19 compared with 32% among White respondents. And in April, 14% of U.S. adults, including 22% of non-White respondents, reported that they would avoid care for COVID symptoms due to concerns over costs.

(Gallup USA)

October 07, 2020

Source: https://news.gallup.com/poll/321716/majority-trust-biden-lead-healthcare-system-amid-covid.aspx

659-43-20/Poll

Republicans who rely most on Trump for COVID-19 news see the outbreak differently from those who don’t

Republicans and GOP-leaning independents who rely most on President Donald Trump and his coronavirus task force for news about COVID-19 – one of 10 news sources the Center asked about – stand out in several ways in their attitudes about the outbreak. For example, 89% of Republicans in this group say the U.S. has controlled the outbreak as much as it could have, compared with 59% of Republicans who don’t rely most on Trump and the task force.

Republicans who turn to Trump for coronavirus news are also more likely than other Republicans to say the pandemic has been overblown, that Trump is getting the facts about the outbreak correct and that public health organizations are not getting the facts right, according to the survey, conducted Aug. 31-Sept. 7 as part of the Center’s American News Pathways project. The poll was fielded before Trump tested positive for the virus and was hospitalized.

How we did this

Respondents to the survey had earlier identified which of 10 types of sources they rely on most for COVID-19 news: Trump and his task force; international news outlets; national news outlets; local news outlets; state and local elected officials; public health organizations; Joe Biden and his campaign; friends and family; online forums; or community newsletters or Listservs. Among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents, large differences emerge between those who rely mainly on Trump and those who rely mostly on other sources. But among Democrats and Democratic leaners, no one group of news consumers stands out in the same way.

Republicans who rely most on Trump and the task force for COVID-19 news are more likely than other Republicans to say the outbreak has not merited the attention it has received. About two-thirds in that group (65%) say news organizations are giving COVID-19 too much attention. That compares with 55% of other Republicans.

On a related question, 75% of Republicans who rely most on Trump and his task force for coronavirus news say the outbreak has been made a bigger deal than it really is, compared with 63% of Republicans who don’t rely most on Trump and the task force.

Differences also emerge around whether various actors are getting the facts right during the pandemic. Among Republicans who rely most on Trump for coronavirus news, 70% say he and his administration get the facts right almost all or most of the time. Among other Republicans, far fewer (39%) say the same.

At the same time, those who get their coronavirus news mainly from Trump and the task force give lower marks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health organizations, with 34% saying these groups get the facts right almost all or most of the time. That compares with a higher share among other Republicans (47%).

Among Republicans who rely most on the president and task force for COVID-19 news, 38% say he is delivering the completely right message on the subject, compared with 13% among other Republicans. In all, 94% of Republicans who rely on the president for coronavirus news say he is delivering either the completely right or mostly right message. That compares with 72% among other Republicans.

One area where it appears that Republicans who rely most on Trump for COVID-19 news have heard his message is how susceptible people under the age of 18 are to becoming infected with the virus – a subject that has often surfaced in debates over reopening schools this fall. The president has at times claimed that the risk to young people is minimal; the CDC says it is “unclear” whether children are as susceptible to infection as adults.

Around six-in-ten Republicans (including leaners) who rely most on Trump and the task force for COVID-19 news (57%) say people under 18 are far less susceptible to becoming infected than adults, while 30% say they are about as susceptible. But Republicans who don’t rely the most on Trump for coronavirus news are much more divided: 39% say young people are far less susceptible than adults, and 41% say they are about as susceptible.

Many of the perspectives of Republicans who rely most on Trump for COVID-19 news align closely with those of Republicans who only use Fox News channel or talk radio as major sources for political news. These two platforms have audiences that are disproportionately Republican and conservative.

For example, 89% of those Republicans who rely most on Trump for coronavirus news say the U.S. has controlled the outbreak as much as it could, and so do 90% of Republicans who only cite Fox News or talk radio as a major source. Similarly, 94% of those Republicans who rely most on Trump for coronavirus news say his messaging on the outbreak has been completely or mostly right, and virtually the same portion of the Republicans who cite Fox News or talk radio as major sources (96%) say the same.

(PEW)

October 12, 2020

Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/10/12/republicans-who-rely-most-on-trump-for-covid-19-news-see-the-outbreak-differently-from-those-who-dont/

659-43-21/Poll

Partisans in the U.S. increasingly divided on whether offensive content online is taken seriously enough

Overall, 55% of Americans say many people take offensive content they see online too seriously, while a smaller share (42%) say offensive content online is too often excused as not a big deal, according to a new Pew Research Center survey of U.S. adults conducted in early September 2020. In addition, about half of Americans (53%) say it’s more important for people to be able to feel welcome and safe online, compared with 45% who believe it’s more important for people to be able to speak their minds freely online, according to an earlier Center survey fielded in July 2020.

How we did this

Americans’ differences over these issues are tied to partisanship. Roughly six-in-ten Democrats and independents who lean Democratic (59%) say offensive content online is too often excused as not a big deal, while just a quarter of their Republican counterparts agree – a 34 percentage point gap. On the other hand, 72% of Republicans and Republican leaners say many people take offensive content they see online too seriously, while about four-in-ten Democrats say the same.

Partisan differences are also present today when asking about feeling safe versus having freedom of speech online. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to think people being able to feel welcome and safe online is more important than people being able to speak their minds freely online (60% vs. 45%), while Republicans are more likely than Democrats to say people being able to speak their minds freely online is more important (54% vs. 38%).

While the overall shares of the public supporting each perspective are nearly identical to when the Center last asked these questions in January 2017, partisan differences have more than doubled in this time. The partisan gap between Democrats and Republicans on whether they believe offensive content online was taken seriously enough has grown from 13 percentage points in 2017 to 33 points today. And while Republicans and Democrats held similar views about the appropriate balance between free speech and feeling safe online in 2017, these partisan differences grew fivefold by 2020, from a 3-point gap to a 15-point gap.

Within the parties, there are ideological differences in partisans’ views on offensive content. There is a 16-point gap between the shares of liberal Democrats and those in the party with moderate to conservative views saying offensive content online is too often excused as not a big deal (68% vs. 52%). A smaller gap is present when comparing conservative Republicans with those who are moderate to liberal on the issue of whether many people take offensive content they see online too seriously (74% vs. 68%). Conservative Republicans are also more likely than moderate to liberal Republicans to say people being able to speak their minds freely online is more important than people being able to feel welcome and safe online (57% vs. 49%).

Gender differences are also seen within each party. Republican men stand out for valuing people being able to speak their minds freely online over people being able to feel welcome and safe online. These Republican men (63%) are more likely than Republican women (44%) and both Democratic men (44%) and women (34%) to back that idea. Similarly, 76% of Republican men say many people take offensive content they see online too seriously, compared with 67% of Republican women who say the same.

While the shares of Democrats who support this view are much smaller, Democratic men are more likely to voice the view that offensive content online is taken too seriously compared with Democratic women (43% vs. 36%). These gender differences on the issue of whether people take offensive content they see online too seriously are largely due to the differences between conservative Republican men and women (80% vs. 68%) and liberal Democratic men and women (36% vs. 27%); their more moderate counterparts differed little by gender.

Regardless of political affiliation, women in both parties are more likely than their male counterparts to think offensive content online isn’t taken seriously enough and to prioritize people feeling safe over people being able to express themselves freely online. Even when conservative Republican women are considered, about half or more of women say people being able to feel welcome and safe online is more important than people being able to speak their minds freely online.

In addition to valuing people feeling safe online and thinking offensive content online isn’t taken seriously enough, both Democrats (77%) and women (72%) are more likely to say social media companies have a responsibility to remove offensive content from their platforms as compared with Republicans and men (52% and 59%, respectively), according to a 2019 Center survey.

(PEW)

October 12, 2020

Source: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/10/08/partisans-in-the-u-s-increasingly-divided-on-whether-offensive-content-online-is-taken-seriously-enough/

AUSTRALIA

659-43-22/Poll

Victorians now against Stage 4 Covid Restrictions

While the Andrews Labor Government still has a small lead on a two-party preferred (2PP) basis (51.5% ALP cf. 48.5% L-NP) Daniel Andrews’ approval is down 9% points in three weeks to 61%.

This is the first time since Stage 4 restrictions began in Melbourne in early August that a majority of Victorians support the re-opening of hospitality businesses for table service. Support for re-opening is consistent amongst Melburnians (57%) and people in Country Victoria (54%).

There is also clear support for the ending of the 5km travel limit for Melburnians with 61% (up 11% points from two weeks ago – 50% on Sep. 15/16, 2020) agreeing that Melburnians should be able to travel more than 5km from their home compared to 39% (down 11% points) that say they should not.

There is a considerable difference between views in Melbourne where 66% support the ending of the travel restrictions compared to only 45% of people in Country Victoria.

For the second straight survey an increasing majority of Victorians, 59%, up 4% points from two weeks ago – 53% on Sep. 15-16, 2020, say Melbourne residents should be able to visit the homes of their immediate families compared to 41% (down 4% points) that say they should not.

Victorians surveyed were each asked the following questions to determine their attitudes towards the current Victorian Government Stage 4 directives:

Question 1: “Melbourne residents are currently banned from visiting the homes of immediate family members with the exception of singles, delivering care or essential services. Should Melbourne residents now be able to visit the homes of their immediate families?” Yes 59% (up 4% from two weeks ago) cf. No 41% (down 4%).
Question 2: “Melbourne’s restaurants/hotels/clubs/cafes are only allowed to offer take-away or food delivery services. Should Melbourne’s restaurants/hotels/clubs/cafes now be allowed to provide table service with proper social distancing?” Yes 56% (up 19% from three weeks ago) cf. No 44% (down 19%).
Question 3: “Melbourne residents are currently restricted from travelling more than 5km from their homes for exercise or buying essential items such as food. Should Melbourne residents now be free to travel more than 5km from their home?” Yes 61% (up 11% from two weeks ago) cf. No 39% (down 11%).

Victorian electors surveyed were also asked about their voting preferences and whether they approved or disapproved of Premier Daniel Andrew’s handling of his job.

Question 4: Victorian electors were asked: "If a State Election for Victoria were being held today — which party would receive your first preference?" ALP 39% (up 2% from two weeks ago), L-NP 39.5% (up 1%),Greens 10% (down 2%), Independents 5.5% (up 1.5%) and Others 6% (down 2.5%). Two-party preferred is now ALP 51.5% (unchanged) cf. L-NP 48.5% (unchanged).
Question 5: “Do you APPROVE or DISAPPROVE of the way Mr. Daniel Andrews is handling his job as Premier of Victoria?” Approve 61% (down 9% from three weeks ago) cf. Disapprove 39% (up 9% from three weeks ago).

This special Roy Morgan Snap SMS survey was conducted with a Victoria-wide cross-section of 2,223 Victorians aged 18+ conducted on Monday September 29 – Tuesday September 30, 2020.

Both genders and all ages support Melburnians having the right to visit the homes of their families

Support for the rights of Melburnians to visit the homes of their immediate families has now increased for the fourth straight survey, now at 59%, up 4% points from two weeks ago and up 16% points from late August.

Both women (59%) and men (60%) agree that Melburnians should now be able to visit the homes of their immediate families and clear majorities of all age groups agree led by people aged 65+ (68%), and including those aged 50-64 (60%), under 35 (58%) and aged 35-49 (55%).

L-NP supporters are the most likely to support the lifting of this restriction with 57% saying Melbourne residents should now be able to visit the homes of their immediate families just ahead of Greens supporters (56%). However, only 42% of ALP supporters agree – easily the lowest support of any supporter group.

Majorities of supporters of all political parties want to see restaurants re-open for table service

A majority of supporters of all major political parties say it is time for Melbourne’s restaurants/hotels/clubs/ cafes to reopen including nearly two-thirds of L-NP supporters (65%) and narrow majorities of both Greens supporters (52%) and ALP supporters (51%). There are also a majority of supporters of Independents/ Others (56%) who support re-opening.

Support for re-opening for table service is virtually identical for both women (57%) and men (56%) and is highest for older Victorians led by people aged 65+ (64%) and 50-64 (57%).

Over three-fifths of Victorians (61%) support ending the 5km travel restrictions on Melburnians

Large majorities of both women (63%) and men (59%) agree Melburnians should be able to travel more than 5km from their home. There are also clear majorities of all age groups led by 63% of Victorians aged 35-49, 62% of those aged 65+, 60% of people aged under 35 and 59% of those aged 50-64.

Support for ending the 5km travel restriction is also strong regardless of which political party one supports led by 62% of L-NP supporters, 56% of Greens supporters, 54% of ALP supporters and 63% of those who support Independents and Others.

Two-Party Preferred support for the major parties is again split by Region & Gender

The gender and regional splits between the major parties remains two weeks after the last Roy Morgan Poll on Victorian voting intention. City-dwellers in Melbourne and women continue to support the ALP on a two-party preferred basis while Country Victorians and men are more likely to support the L-NP.

Women clearly favour the ALP on a two-party preferred basis with support at 55% compared to only 45% for the L-NP. In contrast a majority of 51.5% of men support the L-NP compared to 48.5% supporting the ALP.

Melburnians (who comprise the bulk of the population of Victoria) favour the ALP on a two-party preferred basis with support of 53.5% compared to 46.5% for the L-NP while in Country Victoria support for the L-NP is at 55% compared to only 45% for the ALP.

Approval for Dan Andrews handling of his job is down, but remains sky high for ALP supporters

A large majority of ALP supporters (89%), and almost as many Greens supporters (80%), approve of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews’ handling of his job with both results little changed from three weeks ago.

However, there has been a significant drop for how L-NP supporters regard the Premier’s handling of his job, with only 38% approving the job he’s doing, down 5% points. There has been an even larger drop for supporters of Independents/Others, with only 36% approving, down 17% points.

Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine says the majority of Victorians now want an end to several Stage 4 restrictions that remain in Melbourne including allowing people to visit their immediate families, the re-opening of restaurants and cafés and ending the 5km travel limit:

“For the first time clear majorities of Victorians support ending all three of the key Stage 4 restrictions imposed as part of the lockdown on Melbourne.

“Now 59% (up 4ppts) of Victorians say Melburnians should now be able to visit the homes of their immediate families, 56% (up 17ppts) say Melbourne’s restaurants and cafes should be able to re-open offering table service with proper social distancing and 61% (up 11ppts) say the 5km travel restrictions should now be ended.

“Although Premier Daniel Andrews has flagged that these restrictions are set to continue for another 2+ weeks as Victoria seeks to lower community transmission of COVID-19 further, Victorians continue to approve of the way Daniel Andrews is handling his job – now at 61% - but that support is dwindling – and is down a significant 9% points from early September.

“Approval of the way Daniel Andrews is handling his job remains very strong amongst both ALP supporters (89%) and Greens supporters (80%) – but has dropped for L-NP supporters (38%) and supporters of Independents/Others (36%) as the lockdown has been extended for a longer period than initially expected.

“There is little change on voting intentions since mid-September with primary support for both major parties up slightly at the expense of the Greens and other minor parties but overall the ALP (51.5%) retains a narrow two-party preferred lead over the L-NP (48.5%).”

For further comment or more information contact:

Michele Levine 0411129093 or Gary Morgan 0411129094 or email askroymorgan@roymorgan.com.

Question 1:

Should Melbourne residents now be able to visit the homes of their immediate families?

	Victorians 18+
	Aug 25-26, 2020	Sep 1-2, 2020	Sep 8-9, 2020	Sep 15-16, 2020	Sep 28-29, 2020
	%	%	%	%	%
Yes	43	47	53	55	59
No	57	53	47	45	41
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100

Should Melbourne residents now be able to visit the homes of their immediate families?
By Gender & Age

	Victorians 18+	Gender		Age
	Victorians 18+	Men	Women	Under 35	35-49	50-64	65+
	%	%	%	%	%	%	%
Yes	59	60	59	58	55	60	68
No	41	40	41	42	45	40	32
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100	100	100

Should Melbourne residents now be able to visit the homes of their immediate families?
By Melbourne & Country Victoria

	Victorians 18+	Melbourne	Country Victoria
	%	%	%
Yes	59	63	46
No	41	37	54
TOTAL	100	100	100

Should Melbourne residents now be able to visit the homes of their immediate families?
By Party Vote (Federal)

	Victorian Electors	Party Vote
	Victorian Electors	L-NP	ALP	Greens	Ind/Others	Can’t say
	%	%	%	%	%	%
Yes	59	57	42	56	70	69
No	41	43	58	44	30	31
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100	100

Question 2:

Should Melbourne restaurants/hotels/clubs/cafes now be allowed to provide table service with proper social distancing? YES by Gender & Age

Source: Roy Morgan Special Snap SMS Poll of Victorians conducted on Monday September 28 to Tuesday September 29, 2020, n=2,223 with over 1,000 respondents each asked 3 questions. Base: Victorians aged 18+.

Should Melbourne restaurants/hotels/clubs/cafes now be allowed to provide table service with proper social distancing?

	Victorians 18+
	Aug. 25-26, 2020	Sep. 1-2, 2020	Sep. 8-9, 2020	Sep. 28-29, 2020
	%	%	%	%
Yes	25	39	37	56
No	75	61	63	44
TOTAL	100	100	100	100

Question 2:

Should Melbourne restaurants/hotels/clubs/cafes now be allowed to provide table service with proper social distancing? By Gender & Age

	Victorians 18+	Gender		Age
	Victorians 18+	Men	Women	Under 35	35-49	50-64	65+
	%	%	%	%	%	%	%
Yes	56	56	57	59	47	57	64
No	44	44	43	41	53	43	36
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100	100	100

Should Melbourne restaurants/hotels/clubs/cafes now be allowed to provide table service with proper social distancing? By Melbourne & Country Victoria

	Victorians 18+	Melbourne	Country Victoria
	%	%	%
Yes	56	57	54
No	44	43	46
TOTAL	100	100	100

Should Melbourne restaurants/hotels/clubs/cafes now be allowed to provide table service with proper social distancing? By Party Vote (Federal)

	Victorian Electors	Party Vote
	Victorian Electors	L-NP	ALP	Greens	Ind/Others	Can’t say
	%	%	%	%	%	%
Yes	56	65	51	52	56	60
No	44	35	49	48	44	40
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100	100

Question 3:

Should Melbourne residents now be free to travel more than 5km from their home?
YES by Gender & Age

Should Melbourne residents now be free to travel more than 5km from their home?

	Victorians 18+
	Aug 25-26, 2020	Sep 1-2, 2020	Sep 8-9, 2020	Sep 15-16, 2020	Sep. 28-29, 2020
	%	%	%	%	%
Yes	29	40	46	50	61
No	71	60	54	50	39
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100

Should Melbourne residents now be free to travel more than 5km from their home?
By Gender & Age

	Victorians 18+	Gender		Age
	Victorians 18+	Men	Women	Under 35	35-49	50-64	65+
	%	%	%	%	%	%	%
Yes	61	59	63	60	63	59	62
No	39	41	37	40	37	41	38
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100	100	100

Should Melbourne residents now be free to travel more than 5km from their home?
By Melbourne & Country Victoria

	Victorians 18+	Melbourne	Country Victoria
	%	%	%
Yes	61	66	45
No	39	34	55
TOTAL	100	100	100

Should Melbourne residents now be free to travel more than 5km from their home?
By Party Vote (Federal)

	Victorian Electors	Party Vote
	Victorian Electors	L-NP	ALP	Greens	Ind/Others	Can’t say
	%	%	%	%	%	%
Yes	59	62	54	56	63	71
No	41	38	46	44	37	29
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100	100

Question 4

If a State Election for Victoria were being held today, which party would receive your first preference?
Victorian Primary Voting Intention. By Gender & Region

	Victorian Electors 18+			Gender		Region
	2018 Victorian Election	Sep 15-17, 2020	Sep 28-29, 2020	Women	Men	Melbourne	Country Areas
PRIMARY VOTE	%	%	%	%	%	%	%
ALP	42.9	37	39	42.5	36	40.5	33.5
Liberal	30.4	35	37	35.5	38.5	36.5	38.5
National	4.8	3.5	2.5	1.5	3.5	0.5	8.5
L-NP	35.2	38.5	39.5	37	42	37	47
Greens	10.7	12	10	11	9	10.5	9
Others	5.1	8.5	6	4	7.5	6.5	4.5
Independents	6.1	4	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	6
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100	100	100

Victorian Two-Party Preferred Voting Intention. By Gender & Region

	Victorian Electors 18+			Gender		Region
	2018 Victorian Election	Sep 15-17, 2020	Sep 28-29, 2020	Women	Men	Melbourne	Country Areas
2PP	%	%	%	%	%	%	%
ALP	57.3	51.5	51.5	55	48.5	53.5	45
L-NP	42.7	48.5	48.5	45	51.5	46.5	55
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100	100	100

Question 5

Do you APPROVE or DISAPPROVE of the way Mr. Daniel Andrews is handling is job as Premier of Victoria? By Gender & Age

	Victorians 18+		Gender		Age
	Sep. 8-9, 2020	Sep. 28-29, 2020	Men	Women	Under 35	35-49	50-64	65+
	%	%	%	%	%	%	%	%
Approve	70	61	54	68	69	56	68	47
Disapprove	30	39	46	32	31	44	32	53
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100	100	100	100

Do you APPROVE or DISAPPROVE of the way Mr. Daniel Andrews is handling is job as Premier of Victoria? By Melbourne & Country Victoria

	Victorians 18+	Melbourne	Country Victoria
	%	%	%
Approve	61	62	61
Disapprove	39	38	39
TOTAL	100	100	100

Do you APPROVE or DISAPPROVE of the way Mr. Daniel Andrews is handling is job as Premier of Victoria? By Party Vote (Federal)

	Victorian Electors	Party Vote
	Victorian Electors	L-NP	ALP	Greens	Ind/Others	Can’t say
	%	%	%	%	%	%
Approve	61	38	89	80	36	24
Disapprove	39	62	11	20	64	76
TOTAL	100	100	100	100	100	100

(Roy Morgan)

October 05, 2020

Source: https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/8531-stage-4-restrictions-victoria-week-6-october-1-2020-202009300945

MULTICOUNTRY STUDIES

659-43-23/Poll

The state of happiness in a COVID world

Global Happiness 2020 survey shows happiness has receded in many, but not all countries since last year.

Six in ten adults across 27 countries (63%) are happy, according to the latest Ipsos survey on global happiness. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of happiness at an aggregate level is nearly unchanged from last year. However, year-over-year, the incidence of happiness shows significant shifts in many countries: it has declined by eight points or more in Peru, Chile, Mexico, India, the United States, Australia, Canada, and Spain, while it has increased by more than eight percentage points in China, Russia, Malaysia, and Argentina.

The happiest countries surveyed, i.e., those where more than three out of four adults report being very or rather happy are China, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Canada, France, Australia, Great Britain, and Sweden. Those where fewer than one in two adults say they are happy are Peru, Chile, Spain, Argentina, Hungary, and Mexico.

Among 29 potential sources of happiness measured, people across the world are most likely to derive “the greatest happiness” from:

My health/physical well-being (cited by 55% globally)
My relationship with my partner/spouse (49%)
My children (49%)
Feeling my life has meaning (48%)
My living conditions (45%)

In comparison to the pre-pandemic survey conducted last year, the sources of happiness that have most gained in importance globally pertain to relationships, health, and safety. On the other hand, time and money have ceded some ground as drivers of happiness.

Changes in happiness levels

Globally, happiness is as common this year as it was last year, dipping by just one percentage point from 64% to 63%. However, it has increased by five points or more in six countries, namely China, Russia, Malaysia, and Argentina, while it has decreased by five points or more in 12 countries, most of all Peru, Chile, Mexico, and India.

The happiness leader in 2020 is China, where 93% say they are happy (up 11 points from last year and moving from third place), followed by the Netherlands (newly added this year) with 87%, and Saudi Arabia with 80% (up two points).

Canada and Australia, last year’s leaders in happiness, register a notable drop this year: Canada with 78% (down eight points) drops to fourth place in a tie with France (down two points) and Australia with 77% (down nine points) falls to sixth place.

The survey shows declining levels of happiness in Peru (down 26 points from last year to 32%), Chile (down 15 points to 35%) and Mexico (down 13 points to 46%). Happiness is now less common in Peru, Chile and Spain (38% down eight points) than it is in Argentina (43%, up by nine points), which ranked last in 2019.

Across all 27 countries, 11% of those surveyed say they are very happy and 52% say they are rather happy, while 31% say they are not very happy and 6% say they are not happy at all. In the U.S., 12% report being very happy, 58% rather happy, 25% not very happy and 6% not happy at all.

Countries with the highest incidence of adults who consider themselves very happy are Saudi Arabia (30%), India (22%), and the Netherlands (20%). Those with the highest share of adults saying they are not happy at all are Spain (13%), Chile and Argentina (both 12%), and Hungary (11%).

Over the course of the past decade, the incidence of happiness has decreased sharply. Between 2011 and 2020, the percentage of those saying they are happy has fallen by 14 points globally. It is down by five points or more in 17 out of 23 countries surveyed both years. Mexico, Turkey, South Africa, Argentina, Spain, and India show drops of more than 20 points. The only country showing a significant increase since 2011 is China (+15 points).

What percentage of people say they are happy? | Ipsos

Sources of happiness in the COVID era

Among 29 potential sources of happiness, people across the world are most likely to say they derive “the greatest happiness” from:

My health/physical well-being (cited by 55%)
My relationship with my partner/spouse (49%)
My children (49%)
Feeling my life has meaning (48%)
My living conditions (45%)
My personal safety and security (45%)
Feeling in control of my life (43%)
Having a meaningful job/employment (43%)
Satisfaction with the direction their life is going (40%)
Having more money (40%)

Compared with last year, the sources of happiness that have most gained in importance globally pertain to relationships, health, and safety.

What brings people the greatest happiness? | Ipsos

Year-over-year, many of the items measured show a significant increase in the percentage of people globally who derive at least some happiness from them. Those with the largest upticks are:

Being forgiven for something I did (+5 points)
Forgiving someone for something they did (+4)
My personal safety and security (+4)
My health/physical well-being (+4)
Finding someone to be with (+4)

None of the items show a jump of more than two points in the percentage of people who derive the greatest happiness from them. However, two items show a drop of three points:

My personal financial situation
The amount of free time I have

In addition, one item shows a drop of three points as a source of either some or the greatest happiness:

New political leadership in my country

Universal vs. culture-specific drivers of happiness

The survey shows that the top sources of happiness tend to be universal. In 14 of the 27 countries surveyed, each one of the top five sources of happiness, i.e., those that people most frequently say gives them the “greatest happiness,” is among the top 10 sources at the global level. These countries include Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, India, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the United States.

However, in each of the other countries, at least one of the top five drivers of happiness is not found in the global top 10. Sources of happiness that are particularly important in just one or a handful of countries are:

My personal financial situation (France, Hungary, Russia, South Korea)
My friends (Australia, Belgium, Great Britain)
My hobbies/interests (Japan)
Finding someone to be with (Russia, Germany and Japan)
The wellbeing of my country (Argentina)
The amount of free time I have (Japan)
Being recognized as a successful person (Turkey)
The state of the economy (South Korea)
My spiritual or religious well-being (Malaysia and Saudi Arabia)

(Ipsos)

October 07, 2020

Source: https://www.ipsos.com/en-ca/news-polls/global-happiness-study-2020

659-43-24/Poll

Who do people in APAC want to win the US presidential election?

Unlike in Europe where every country favoured the Democratic challenger, President Trump does find himself ahead in one place in APAC: Taiwan, where he leads by 42% to 30%.

However, Taiwan is the only place in the study where this is the case. Trump’s next strongest base is in Hong Kong, where he is preferred by 36% of people to Joe Biden’s 42%.

The US president is least popular in Malaysia, where he trails Biden by 9% to 62%, while Biden is most popular in Singapore (leading 66% to 12%).

When it comes to who people think will win the election, Trump’s figures improve in every market. Nevertheless, this is only enough to push him above Biden in Hong Kong, and only then by 47% to 45%.

Perceptions of Trump and Biden

In most areas surveyed Trump is more likely to be seen as a “poor” or “terrible” president (48-68%) than a “great”, “good” or “average” one (23-46%). The exceptions are the Philippines and Taiwan, where 60% and 59% respectively see him as average or better, compared to 30% who see him as poor or terrible.

Biden is generally seen as likely to be average or better, with a majority of people in every place studied rating him “great”, “good” or “average”. It is worth noting, though, that the proportion of Hong Kongers who view him negatively (20%) outnumber those who see him positively (12%).

It is also the case that a great deal more people say they don’t know what kind of president Joe Biden would be (24-42%), compared to Donald Trump (6-15%).

Trump and Biden’s impact in APAC

When it comes to Trump’s impact on their lives, where they live and the world, responses are largely negative, as they were in Europe.

However, there are exceptions. In light of his strong stance on international relations in the region, Taiwanese people tend to think the president is more likely to have had a positive (45%) than negative (33%) impact on Taiwan. This stands in contrast to Joe Biden, where views are split on whether his impact would be positive (26%) or negative (28%).

Taiwanese people are also divided on the impact Trump has had on themselves personally, with 27% thinking it has been good and 29% feeling it has been bad.

Filipinos are also split, both on Trump’s impact on themselves (32% positive/35% negative) and the Philippines as a whole (38% positive/ 39% negative).

Even though Taiwanese people and Filipinos were divided on these areas, they join the rest of the region in thinking that his impact on the world as a whole has been more negative than positive.

When it comes to Joe Biden, the expectation is that – should he become president – his impact would be more positive than negative. Again, Taiwan and Hong Kong are the exceptions, with people in both places being split on whether the impact on themselves personally or where they live would be good or bad.

However, as with Trump the verdict is consistent when it comes to Biden’s potential impact on the planet, with all markets surveyed being more likely to think it will be positive (31-59%) than negative (10-28%).

People in Hong Kong and Taiwan expect Trump to do a better job of managing the US economy

President Trump is clearly seen by Taiwanese people as the candidate more likely to improve US-Taiwan relations (42% vs 14% for Biden) and are similarly likely to think he will strengthen the US economy (41% vs 16%). Likewise, Hong Kongers are also more likely to see him as the superior choice for the American economy (34% vs 19%).

Everywhere else, and on all five topics we asked about – international relations, climate change, coronavirus, economics and peace – people tend to think Biden would do a better job than Trump.

(YouGov)

October 15, 2020

Source: https://id.yougov.com/en-id/news/2020/10/15/who-do-people-apac-want-win-us-presidential-electi/

659-43-25/Poll

More Than Half of the World Worries About Food, Water Safety

Billions worldwide worry that they will be seriously harmed by consuming unsafe food and water, and nearly as many expect it to happen to them in the next two years, according to the new Lloyd's Register Foundation World Risk Poll.

Over one in six adults (17%) -- or roughly 1 billion people -- said they or someone they know had experienced serious harm from eating food in the past two years. Nearly as many, 14%, said they had experienced harm from drinking water in that time frame.

Bar graph. This chart displays the percentages worldwide who are worried about experiencing serious harm from consuming unsafe water and food, the likelihood that either of these will happen in the next two years, and the percentage who say this has happened to them or to someone they know within the past two years.

The World Risk Poll, the first global study of worry and risk, provides insight into one of the biggest safety challenges facing society today and likely over the next several decades: the long-term safety of food and water. The World Health Organization estimates that 600 million people fall ill every year from eating unsafe food, and 420,000 die. Nearly half a million people die each year from contaminated water.

While contaminated food and water kill and injure people in all countries and territories around the world, low-income and lower-middle-income economies tend to be disproportionately affected, resulting in an estimated loss of approximately $95 billion per year in productivity because of unsafe food.

This context helps explain the heightened level of worry that people in low-income and lower-middle-income economies have about being seriously harmed by unsafe food or water. While large percentages across all countries were at least somewhat worried, the percentages of people who were very worried were much higher in low-income economies than in high-income economies.

Bar graph. This chart displays the percentages worldwide who are worried about experiencing serious harm from consuming unsafe water and food by country income group.

These same patterns were apparent in people's perceived likelihood that they would be seriously harmed in the next two years and in the percentages who reported that they or someone they know had experienced serious harm from unsafe water and food. The proportion of people in low-income and lower-middle-income economies who believed it was "very likely" they would be seriously harmed by the food they eat was slightly higher than in high-income economies. The difference was even sharper when considering the likelihood of being seriously harmed by drinking water.

Bar graph. This chart displays the likelihood that people will be harmed by eating or drinking contaminated food or water and the percentage who say they have been harmed by either, by country income group.

Still, Unsafe Food and Water Not Top Threat

Few people considered contaminated food and water to be one of the biggest threats to their safety, despite the high number of people it harms. Globally, only 4% of adults -- equivalent to 300 million people -- identified unsafe food or water as one of the two biggest threats to their daily safety.

These figures were consistent across all demographic categories at the global level; however, they were much higher in some countries than in others. Concern about food- or water-related risks is linked with various developmental and climate-related indicators, including access to basic drinking water and prevalence of drought, floods and extreme temperatures.

These threats were most commonly cited in sub-Saharan African countries, where these conditions are particularly unfavorable. However, the list also includes two high-income European countries -- Luxembourg (10%) and France (7%) -- demonstrating that concerns about food and water safety are not just tied to developmental or environmental factors.

Implications

With the global population forecast to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, there will be even more pressure on the world's food systems, making food safety an even greater challenge than it is today.

Given the human and economic cost of food and water safety issues, the World Risk Poll findings highlight the need for more evidence-informed education and training about food and water safety. Even in countries where a significant number of people had experienced serious harm from contaminated food and water, many did not identify it as a major risk.

(Gallup USA)

October 09, 2020

Source: https://news.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/321662/half-world-worries-food-water-safety.aspx