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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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Countries 'living with Covid' no problem for 50pc HK’ers, 30pc planning trips abroad
Almost half of Hongkongers are comfortable traveling to countries that adopt "living with Covid" strategies, a recent survey has found.
The survey was commissioned by Manulife HK and conducted by YouGov in late August 2022, before Hong Kong relaxed the border controls this Monday (Sep 26). A total of 1,020 adults aged 18 or above answered the survey.
The survey revealed citizens are changing their attitudes on living with Covid, with 30 percent planning to travel within the next 12 months. Forty-five percent of respondents also stated that the fear of infection is no longer a reason for them not meeting with friends and relatives, and they have resumed a normal social routine.
Forty-nine percent of respondents also said they are comfortable traveling to countries that adopt "living with Covid" strategies.
Meanwhile, the survey also found that mental health has worsened for 33 percent of the population who have contracted Covid and for 36 percent who have never contracted the virus. Forty-eight percent of respondents aged 35 or below who have never had the virus admitted they have experienced a decline in mental health, indicating a damaging effect on younger people.
Respondents are also struggling with physical well-being, more so for those who have had the virus, with 33 percent admitting a downturn in physical health versus 26 percent who have never had the virus.
Sixty-one percent of respondents expressed concerns about spreading Covid to the elderly and children, and around three-quarters continue to adhere to strict personal hygiene protocols. More than 80 percent of respondents worried about long Covid, but only 27 percent were familiar with it.
The survey also indicated that since the Covid outbreak in early 2020, about a third of respondents have researched or bought insurance coverage for themselves or their families.
"It is clear from our research that people now want to enjoy the levels of normalcy experienced before the pandemic, despite Covid-19 still being a health concern for many in Hong Kong," said Danny Lee, Manulife HK and Macau's chief product officer.
"As people look to travel and return to normalcy, it is important for them to take care of their physical and mental well-being and be prepared for any eventuality," Lee added.
The survey revealed citizens are changing their attitudes on living with Covid, with 30 percent planning to travel within the next 12 months. Forty-five percent of respondents also stated that the fear of infection is no longer a reason for them not meeting with friends and relatives, and they have resumed a normal social routine.
Forty-nine percent of respondents also said they are comfortable traveling to countries that adopt "living with Covid" strategies.
Meanwhile, the survey also found that mental health has worsened for 33 percent of the population who have contracted Covid and for 36 percent who have never contracted the virus. Forty-eight percent of respondents aged 35 or below who have never had the virus admitted they have experienced a decline in mental health, indicating a damaging effect on younger people.
Respondents are also struggling with physical well-being, more so for those who have had the virus, with 33 percent admitting a downturn in physical health versus 26 percent who have never had the virus.
Sixty-one percent of respondents expressed concerns about spreading Covid to the elderly and children, and around three-quarters continue to adhere to strict personal hygiene protocols. More than 80 percent of respondents worried about long Covid, but only 27 percent were familiar with it.
The survey also indicated that since the Covid outbreak in early 2020, about a third of respondents have researched or bought insurance coverage for themselves or their families.
"It is clear from our research that people now want to enjoy the levels of normalcy experienced before the pandemic, despite Covid-19 still being a health concern for many in Hong Kong," said Danny Lee, Manulife HK and Macau's chief product officer.
"As people look to travel and return to normalcy, it is important for them to take care of their physical and mental well-being and be prepared for any eventuality," Lee added.
