With British Columbia nearly through its first week of partial reopening after COVID-19, a survey shows that residents are split in their decisions to partake in several activities that are now allowed again.
A survey released by Research Co on Thursday shows what percentage of the population is comfortable visiting places like restaurants, gyms, libraries, and taking public transit before a vaccine is available for the novel coronavirus.
For the most part, British Columbians feel comfortable going to dine in at restaurants — more so if the restaurant in question has patio dining options.
See also: Restaurants, retailers, hair salons start opening in B.C. tomorrow. Here’s what to expect.
When it comes to gyms and fitness facilities, opinions are split more evenly with 53 per cent saying they will go work out at their local gym before a vaccine is available, and 47 per cent saying they won’t.
“More than half of women in British Columbia (54%) say they would not set foot inside a gym or fitness facility before they can have access to a COVID-19 vaccine,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co.
“Conversely, most men (60%) say they would have no problem visiting these venues.”
Similar split votes were registered when it came to personal choices about riding the bus or skytrain.
The survey also asked about willingness to visit libraries, community centres, and hair salons — all of which the majority of British Columbians say they do feel safe going to regardless of whether or not a vaccine is available.
Places that most are likely to avoid, on the other hand, are music venues and live sporting events — an apt choice, considering gatherings over 50 are banned in B.C. until Phase 4 of the restart plan, which involves a vaccine.
Take a look at the full results of the survey:
The results of this survey are based on an online poll of 800 people in B.C. forming a representative sample of the population.
The study was conducted between May 15 and 17 and the margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
