Majority of Canadians wearing masks in public: Study

Jul 16 2020, 4:26 pm

When it comes to wearing masks in public, most Canadians are doing their part.

A recent study from the Angus Reid Institute found that a slim majority of Canadian respondents stated that they wear a mask either all the time, or most of the time when out in public.

The online survey was conducted between July 10 and 11 with a sample size of 1,503 Canadian adults, finding that 55% fell into the mask-wearing category; 20% stated that they wear one “always, everywhere I go,” and 35% wear one “most of the time, anywhere that I know there will be people around.”

32% stated that they wear their masks “rarely, only in select places,” and 13% stated that they never wear a mask.

masks

Angus Reid Institute

The institute found that concern over becoming sick with coronavirus has seen a small spike over the past month after an initial decline in April and May. Of the survey’s respondents, 59% stated that they are concerned about personally becoming sick, up from 46% in June though still down from its April 1 peak of 73%.

Unsurprisingly, concern over becoming sick correlated with mask usage, with those who are very concerned about catching coronavirus being most likely to wear masks in public.

masks

Angus Reid Institute

When broken down by province, respondents in Ontario were the most likely to wear a facemask outside of their homes during the pandemic, while those in the Prairie provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta were least likely to.

masks

Angus Reid Institute

Middle-aged men also fell into the category of least likely to wear a mask in public, with 57% of men aged 35 to 54 stating that they rarely or never have worn one.

Women, across all ages, were more likely to wear a mask, with that likelihood increasing with age.

masks

Angus Reid Institute

And when asked if they would support or oppose mandatory mask policies being put into place where they live, the vast majority of Canadian respondents were on board.

Even the least mask-friendly Prairie provinces saw more support than opposition, though the Atlantic provinces were most keen with a spread of 80% for and 20% against.

masks

Angus Reid Institute

Chandler WalterChandler Walter

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