More than half of Canadians think there's no way to avoid Omicron infection, says poll
More than half of Canadians think they’re doomed to get sick with COVID-19 as the Omicron variant spreads across the country, according to a poll from the Angus Reid Institute.
The national poll was conducted online between Jan. 7 and 10, a few days before reported cases of COVID-19 in B.C. began to dip slightly.
“More than half of Canadians – 55 per cent – say regardless of the precautions they take, they expect to contract Omicron,” reads a statement from Angus Reid Institute.
On Jan. 14, health officials said that even though the province may have reached its peak for the Omicron variant, hospitalization rates in B.C. are increasing and still a concern.
“Among those who feel that they will be infected with the latest variant no matter what they do, half say that public health measures should be removed completely, and half disagree,” the institute says.
Poll results also show that men are more likely than women to believe there’s nothing that can stop them from getting Omicron at this point.
“For both genders, the resignation to infection is highest among those aged 35 to 54, notably the age group more likely to have children living at home,” reads the institute’s poll analysis.
B.C.’s current public health measures include mandatory use of masks indoors and at school, restrictions on gathering sizes, and a requirement to show proof of vaccination at restaurants and for other non-essential services, among others.
On average, 37 per cent of Canadians think COVID-19 restrictions are “about right,” according to the poll results. But among B.C. residents, the approval rating is higher, with 42 per cent of B.C. residents agreeing the restrictions are sufficient.
Another 26 per cent of people in B.C. say the restrictions “go too far” and are “too strict,” compared to the national average of 32 per cent. And 31 per cent say the public health measures “don’t go far enough” or “should be stricter,” which is the same as the national average.
The poll was conducted using a representative randomized sample of 3,375 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum, and carries a possible margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.