Majority of Israelis concerned over coronavirus, 70% wear masks regularly
Some 70% of respondents said that they make sure to wear a mask in all required cases – with 21% wearing one in most cases.
By ZACHARY KEYSERUpdated: AUGUST 4, 2020 14:44Israel Police officers giving out tickets for not wearing a mask in public(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
The majority of Israelis are reportedly worried about the coronavirus, however, only 70% wear a mask regularly without being prompted to do so, according to an Israel Hayom survey.The study featured in Israel Hayom on Monday, conducted by Prof. Yitzhak Katz at the Maagar Mochot Research Institute, surveyed a multitude of Jewish and Arab citizens aged 18 and over to determine their outlook amid the coronavirus pandemic. The survey yielded a statistical error of range of 4.4%.Some 70% of respondents said that they make sure to wear a mask in all required cases – with 21% wearing one in most cases. Only 2% reported that they almost never wear a mask, while another 2% said they only wear a mask in enclosed spaces.There were discrepancies, however, in the data provided with regard to the separate age groups. Some 61% of 18-30-year-olds claim that they wear a mask in all required cases, while 80% of Israelis aged 50-64 allege the same. In comparison, 73% of those aged 65 and older reported their full compliance with the Health Ministry restrictions.About two-thirds of Israelis report that they have changed their habits with regard to leaving the house - venturing out into public less than they did before the onset of the pandemic. As well, some 70% reported limiting their social interactions.Some 40% have shifted to shopping online instead of risking a coronavirus infection at a storefront location, 47% reduced the amount of time they spend working from the office and 60% reduced the amount of normal family visits they made.With regard to the health of those around them, the vast majority (90%) expressed some concern regarding public health, whether it be contracting or transmitting the virus.With regard to leadership surrounding management of the coronavirus pandemic, Israelis believe that Finance Minister Yisrael Katz (2.65 out of 5) is handling the situation most effectively, followed closely by Health Minister Yuli Edelstein (2.58) and then Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2.53). Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz (2.31) is somewhat farther back in fourth place.Staying in focus with the necessity of proper leadership coming out of the Finance Ministry, the economic crisis that accompanied the coronavirus pandemic has caused Israelis to be a bit more frugal as of late. More than half (52%) reported that their financial situation has suffered, while less than half (45%) have experienced no change. Only 3% reported their situation has improved.Half of the respondents reported that they changed their spending habits in line with the onset of the coronavirus outbreak. Some 14% reduced spending on basic necessities, while 4% stated that they increased spending within the same category. Some 27% of respondents reported no change. With regard to luxury spending, half of Israelis reported a reduction.
While the coronavirus pandemic has turned the world upside down, with normal routines becoming foreign and seas of mask-wearing individuals becoming a normality, almost half of Israelis (47%) are hopeful that they can return to their normal daily lives. At the moment, hope is all there is.
