Velocity MR, a leading market research and analysis company, in its pan-India study to understand the sentiments towards COVID-19 outbreak indicates that 84% Indians feel recovery from the virus will take another 6 months to 1 year.
The national survey was conducted in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Jaipur.
The study reveals that COVID-19 is leading the list of extremely concerned followed by cancer and HIV/AIDS. This concern has been rising due to increase in the number of cases. At least 70% respondents feel older people and also people with pre-existing conditions are more vulnerable to be infected by the virus. However, 63% feel that this can be tackled with if proper hygiene and if necessary precautions are taken. The sample size of the study was 2,100 and the data was collected between March 19 and 20. The study was conducted through an online survey among the consumer panel of Markelytics, the full service arm of Velocity MR.
Jasal Shah, managing director & CEO, Velocity MR, adds, “What is heartening to see is that the majority is working towards combatting this novel virus. Our survey shows that as a precautionary measure 81% have started washing their hands more frequently than before, 78% have started avoiding crowded places as and when possible. Another important highlight of the study is that this change in lifestyle is most likely to stay, as 72% feel that they will be more cautious and responsible while travelling abroad in future.”
The study highlights included awareness among the respondents about the government’s preventive measures are high, around 87% of the respondents rate the work of the Indian government against COVID-19 to be effective.
The respondents rely on television, social media, online websites and newspaper to get information about COVID-19 and feel are the credible sources of information.
After the outbreak of the disease, major changes were personal hygiene where washing hands more frequently and social distancing in people’s day-to-activities.
The changes in their day-to-activities which people were unable to make were going for grocery shopping during peak hours and avoiding public transport.
In a bid to prevent the spread of the virus any further, organizations have taken various steps and made provisions for the employees to avoid travelling and work from home (WFH).
At least 82% of the respondents agree with the idea that thermal scanners are effective in detecting fever due to COVID-19 as a lot of false information has been circulating around in social media.
With the changes being enforced on the respondents’ day-to-day activities, the respondents feel that some of the changes in habits due to COVID-19 will prevail even after the virus is cured. Around 71% of the respondents feel that habits like handshakes and hugging, etc. will be avoided for some time even after COVID-19 is cured. Also, people will be more cautious while travelling abroad henceforth. 84% of the respondents are optimistic that the world will recover from the virus in the next 6 months to 1 year time period.
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