Survey finds 83.4% approved of VI lockdown
This was revealed in findings published on April 25, 2020, where Director of BVI Red Cross Ms Stacy C. Lloyd said that amidst the pandemic, access to information remained high, a key win for the humanitarian organisation with a mandate that also includes sharing of information.
In the survey disseminated on Thursday, April 23, 2020, sampling approximately 200 people, Ms Lloyd said that respondents indicated that concerns about expenses linger as a result of little to no income.
No food shortage
“We found that while there is no food shortage in the Territory, persons have challenges accessing food due to the restriction on movement, or little to no income. Jobs have been severely impacted and due to loss of income, persons are very concerned about their expenses.”
It was also noted that access to information on COVID-19 in the Territory was no challenge. Popular information sources were Social Media with 172 respondents, the Virgin Islands Government website with 152 respondents and the websites of international organizations such as WHO, CDC and PAHO with 117 respondents.
"55.5% of the respondents think that everyone should self-isolate, 47.5% think that people showing signs or symptoms of the virus should self-isolate, and 49.5% think that only people who are back from travel should self-isolate," the findings detailed.
WhatsApp a key communication tool
Also revealed was that in the VI, WhatsApp was the key communication tool and a means of staying in touch with family and friends, with a whopping 97% of the respondents saying they use the platform.
Another 40% of the respondent also said they had more contact with family now than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
"49.7% of respondents stated that there are basic food items (like rice and peas) and fresh foods (meats, eggs, fruit) currently available in stores/markets. 34% of respondents had no changes in their food situation. 25% stated that they ate less preferred food and 30.5% of the respondents stated that they skipped meals or are eating less than usual."
The survey also found that they were varying levels of concern about access to medication during this time; with some having no concern about access, and others being very concerned, however, no percentages were provided.
Income severely impacted
Key in the findings is that approximately 116 people (58%); more than half of the respondents, stated that their ability to earn an income has been affected over the past two weeks, with 45.5% stating that their income will be severely impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ahead of the study, Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) had indicated his administration had plans afoot to create a financial stimulus package, in order to address economic and job loss concerns.
Out of 200 respondents, 89 were between ages 18 to 39, 153 out of 198 were females, and 43 out of 199 were from the Third Electoral District.
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