By Juliano Oliveira
The ABS’s (Australian Bureau of Statistics) fifth Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey showed that 62% were looking forward to larger gatherings of family and friends at the end of May.
Despite the desire of being among family and friends, 76% were uncomfortable about attending large public events or indoor gatherings of over 100 people (66%). Almost the same percentage (63%) were also uncomfortable with returning to flying.
“The survey found the level of comfort felt by Australians in returning to their usual activities following the easing of restrictions, varied considerably depending on the type of activity, ”ABS Program Manager for Household Surveys, Michelle Marquardt, said
“The vast majority of working Australians, 86%, were at least somewhat comfortable in resuming their usual attendance at the workplace and of those with children, 81% were at least somewhat comfortable with sending their children back to school or childcare,” she said.
Among those who expressed concern about returning to activities, a majority said that the development of a vaccine (64%) and lower daily infection rates (61%) would ease their concerns, showed the survey.
“Although restrictions were gradually easing, social distancing was still being observed, with 95% of Australians continuing to keep their distance from people outside their household and 79% avoiding social gatherings with people who do not live with them.”
However, by the end of May, fewer Australians (74%) were avoiding public spaces compared to early May (85%).