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Specific coronavirus concerns

28 Apr 2020

Q. To what extent are you concerned about these possible impacts of the Covid-19?

NET: CONCERNED (VERY/SOMEWHAT) 27/04 20/04 13/04
The Australian economy as a whole 85% 87% 85%
General unemployment if companies are forced out of business 83% 83% 79%
The physical health of close family members 69% 74% 73%
The impact on my superannuation, savings or investments 63% 67% 63%
My close family members’ mental health 60% 64% 61%
My physical health and catching the virus 59% 64% 62%
My economic situation if I lose my job or have less work 57% 59% 58%
Children’s development by missing out on school 52% 56% 52%
My ability to buy food and essential items if stores run out 50% 58% 58%
My mental health as a result of social distancing 47% 50% 47%
Base (n) 1,054 1,051 1,068

 

  Very concerned Quite concerned Not that concerned Not at all concerned Unsure
The Australian economy as a whole 47% 38% 11% 2% 2%
General unemployment if companies are forced out of business 41% 42% 11% 4% 2%
The physical health of close family members 32% 37% 23% 7% 2%
The impact on my superannuation, savings or investments 32% 32% 21% 11% 5%
My close family members’ mental health 23% 37% 26% 12% 2%
My physical health and catching the virus 25% 33% 29% 11% 2%
My economic situation if I lose my job or have less work 29% 28% 19% 18% 7%
Children’s development by missing out on school 20% 32% 26% 13% 8%
My ability to buy food and essential items if stores run out 18% 32% 33% 33% 14%
My mental health as a result of social distancing 20% 26% 28% 23% 2%
  • Economic issues are still the most concerning consequences of the Covid-19 crisis – 47% say they are very concerned about the economy as a whole and 41% are very concerned about general unemployment.
  • Those aged 18-34 are more likely than other age groups to be concerned about the impact on their mental health (29% very concerned, 17% 35+), their close family members’ mental health (30%, 20% 35+) and their ability to buy food (27%, 15% 35+).
  • Concern for children is highest among those in households with dependent children (31% are very concerned).
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