Survey of public views on the coronavirus (COVID-19): 15 to 18 May 2020

Main findings

Perceptions of the threats posed by coronavirus are stable following some previous decline. It continues to be seen to pose a greater threat to the country than to individuals. Just under half believe that someone close to them will be infected.

A majority in Wales continue to follow social distancing guidance. The Welsh Government and the NHS are generally seen to be doing a good job.

The Welsh public continue to think the coronavirus pandemic will have a personal financial impact on them. Around one in five are concerned they will not be able to pay their bills one month from now.

Summary of methods

These are selected results from a weekly survey tracking public views and behaviours on coronavirus. The study uses IPSOS Mori’s Global Advisor online platform to collect information from adults aged 16 to 74. The Welsh Government has funded a boost in the sample size for Wales since 19 to 21 March 2020, and the sample size after boosting is in the region of 600. It is broadly representative at population level, and the data is weighted to reflect the demographic profile of the adult population (in terms of gender and age) according to mid year population estimates. While online panels can have some limitations they do provide rapid turnaround of data in situations such as this.

Likely credibility intervals around the indicators will be in the region of +/- 4% for the Welsh boosted sample. Given the credibility intervals differences between weeks should be interpreted with some caution.