Results of a survey into the effects of COVID-19 restrictions show limits on social gatherings and travel had the biggest negative impacts for Atlantic Canadians in 2020.
On the plus side, the survey also showed that an increased focus on supporting local was the greatest silver lining of the year.
This Narrative Research online survey was conducted from Jan. 4 to Jan. 10 and involved 2,512 Atlantic Canadians from the market research company's online panel, East Coast Voice.
According to a news release about the survey results, data showed both negative and positive effects on the lives of Atlantic Canadians.
“Results indicate that social and travel restrictions were the two primary factors that negatively impacted life in 2020,” the release said. “Over one-half of Atlantic Canadians report that the pandemic negatively impacted their ability to gather socially, while the same portion of residents mention it has negatively impacted their ability to travel.”
Far fewer people felt a big impact through loss of income or employment, but those who did were likely to be in lower-income earners, while those with higher incomes were most likely to see negative impacts from travel restrictions.
P.E.I residents were the ones most negatively affected by travel restrictions compared to residents of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia or Newfoundland and Labrador.
On the other hand Nova Scotians and New Brunswickers were more affected by social restrictions.
“Despite the negative impacts of the pandemic, virtually all Atlantic Canadians (96%) recognize that there were silver linings of the pandemic in 2020,” the release said. “Most commonly, residents mentioned the increased focus on supporting local (46%), while roughly one-quarter mention meeting with health professionals online instead of in-person, connecting with family members, and coming together as a community.”
Twenty per cent of residents reported that working from home was a silver lining. Others mentioned making connections with people online, learning to cook/bake different foods, or getting a new pet. Only only four per cent of respondents said they didn’t find any silver linings last year.
As a non-probability sample (i.e., a panel sample where residents have joined a panel to share their opinions), and in accordance with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards, a margin of error is not applied.
