78% wear mask for protection against corona

ISLAMABAD: At least 78% of Pakistan's population seems to be concerned about their health and is taking preventative measures against COVID-19, a new survey has found. Conducted by Gallup Pakistan, in collaboration with Jang-Geo News Polls, more than 1,000 partook in the survey. According to the results, the majority of the masses (78%) are using a mask to save themselves from the novel coronavirus. The survey was conducted between December 24, 2020, and January 15, 2021.

When survey recipients were asked about "what preventative measures they are taking against COVID-19," 78% said that they are using a mask. Meanwhile, 51% said that they wash their hands frequently. Some 47% of the respondents indicated that they use a hand sanitiser to keep themselves safe from the virus, while 27% of people said they used gloves. About 19% said they prefer staying at home most of the time to prevent themselves from contracting the infection, while 4% opined that quarantining at home is the safest way to prevent the virus from spreading. On the other hand, 13% of the respondents said that they are not taking any kind of precautions against the virus. When asked about feeling worried at public places when people avoid wearing masks, 50% of the respondents said they do not feel worried about it. Meanwhile, 46% said they feel worried when people do not wear a mask in public.

When asked about shops and shopping centres which people frequent without wearing a mask, 51% said they do not feel worried about it, while 46% said they feel concerns for their safety. In terms of offices, 50% of professionals said they do not feel worried when their co-workers come to work without a mask, while 46% said they feel concerned for their safety when their colleagues show up without a mask.

When asked if people's neighbours wear a mask, 57% said they have observed their neighbours wearing a mask, whereas about 42% indicated that their neighbours do not wear a mask.