August 31, 2020 – In our latest survey conducted on behalf of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division (CMHA Ontario), Pollara has found that eight-in-ten Ontarians are concerned about the possibility of a second wave of COVID-19 (84%) and that such a resurgence would “put us back where we started” (85%).
Worries about the unsafe behaviour of others may be behind these concerns. Ontarians are concerned that other people are not following physical distancing guidelines (84%) and becoming too relaxed about COVID protocols too quickly (83%). Consequently, they are also concerned about coming in contact with people who are not taking the proper precautions (78%).
These are some of the findings from a new Pollara Strategic Insights survey conducted for CMHA Ontario from July 23 – August 2, 2020. The online survey was conducted amongst a randomly-selected, reliable sample of N=1,002 adult Ontarians. The dataset was weighted according to standard statistical techniques in order to ensure the sample accurately reflected the demographic and geographic distribution of Ontarians according to the most recent Census. Online surveys are not officially assigned a margin of error. A probability sample of this size carries a margin of error of +3.1%, 19 times out of 20.
As we saw in our May 2020 poll for CMHA Ontario, Ontarians continue to believe that the province may face a serious mental health crisis once the pandemic is over (66%; -3 since May). Only half (50%) feel confident that they would be able to find mental health supports for themselves or family members (if needed), but this represents a 6-point increase since May.
Among Ontario’s parents, nearly eight-in-ten are worried about their children contracting COVID-19 at school (78%) and infecting other household members (79%). Two-thirds (64%) are concerned about their own anxiety about their children returning to in-class learning in September.
When it comes to education, 61% of parents are concerned COVID protocols will have a negative impact on learning. However, more than six-in-ten are also worried about their child’s motivation and productivity (67%) when learning remotely from home and their child’s ability to learn in the home environment, in general (63%).
For more findings from this survey, please see the article in the Toronto Star or visit the CMHA Ontario website.
