SWS: Majority of Pinoys comply with basic COVID-19 protocols

Majority of Filipinos observe basic COVID-19 protocols such as wearing face mask, washing hands and keeping distance from other people, Social Weather Stations said in its recent survey.

The first quarter national survey conducted from April 28–May 2, 2021 found 75% of adult Filipinos saying they always use a face mask when going out of their houses; 67% saying they always wash their hands several times a day; 58% saying they always keep “physical distance” or a safe distance of one meter from other people outside their homes; and 53% saying they always use a face shield when riding public transportation or going to establishments like malls, markets, or drugstores.

Compliance was notable in Metro Manila and Balance Luzon for some practices but falls in the Visayas and Mindanao, the polling firm said.

The survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide: 300 each in Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao. The sampling error margins are ±3% for national percentages and ±6% for Balance Luzon, Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

Figures

Results of the survey show that the percentage of those who always use face masks is higher in Balance Luzon at 80%. This was followed by Metro Manila with 78%, the Visayas with 72%, and Mindanao with 64%.

Meanwhile, more individuals always wash their hands in Metro Manila with 76%, followed by Balance Luzon with 71%, the Visayas with 69%, and Mindanao with 52%.

The survey also showed that the percentage of those who kept their distance is higher in Balance Luzon at 66%. This was followed by Metro Manila with 65%, the Visayas with 52%, and Mindanao with 42%.

According to the survey, 66% of Metro Manila residents always uses a face shield when going outside, followed by Balance Luzon with 62%, Mindanao with 43%, and the Visayas with 35%.

The SWS also observed that compliance with using face mask and handwashing is lower among those who are not worried about getting the illness.

Results show that 89% worried while only 11% are a little worried that their immediate family might get infected with COVID-19.

According to the polling firm, 77% of those who worried a great deal answered that they always used face masks while only 65% who worried a little said they always use face masks.

“At the same time, those who always wash their hands are significantly lower among those not worried about catching COVID-19,” the SWS said.

The survey showed that 69% of those who worried a great deal always washed their hands while 65% of those who worried a little always washed their hands.

From May 31 to June 6, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said a total of 50,021 individuals were caught not wearing face masks.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/790734/over-50-000-face-mask-violations-from-may-3-to-june-6-dilg/story/

Meanwhile, the Philippines has reported 1,293,687 COVID-19 cases;  1,214,454 recoveries; and 22,312 deaths.—LDF, GMA News