42% Indians believed it would take 4-12 months to contain the pandemic
As many as 70 per cent Indians were optimistic about their lives returning to the normalcy experienced in the pre-novel coronavirus disease time in less than a year, according to a recent study.
Saudi Arabia, Russia and mainland China were among other countries that shared the sentiment, according to World Economic Forum (WEF)-Ipsos survey.
Only 14 per cent Indians thought the situation would take more than 12 months to stabilise; 5 per cent believed the situation would ‘never return to normal’.
At least 48 per cent residents from the United States believed that it would take 4-12 months for some normalcy to return.
The survey, however, was conducted right before the COVID-19 pandemic moved towards a new peak in India and a few other countries, WEF noted.
The survey comprised a sample size of 21,000 across the globe. It was conducted between February 19 and March 5, 2021.
It said 24 per cent Indians were optimistic about the ‘return to normal’ happening within one-three months and 21 per cent in three-six months.
On the other hand, four in five in Japan and more than half in Australia, France, Poland, Italy, Spain and Sweden expected it will take more than a year for life to return to pre-COVID-19 normal.
On an average, the report said, 59 per cent respondents expected something like ‘normal’ would return within the next 12 months.
Opinions on when the pandemic would be contained bore resemblance to when things would return to normal. On average, 58 per cent of those surveyed expected the pandemic to be contained within 2022.
As many as 39 per cent Indians believed the pandemic would be contained within three months; 42 per cent believed it would take 4-12 months for the same to happen.
Mental, emotional health affected
The survey noted that the pandemic also impacted people’s mental health: An average of 45 per cent adults globally said their mental and physical health became worse since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.
Fewer — 27 per cent — said they experienced a change in their mental / emotional well-being since the start of 2021. Nearly as many claimed their mental health improved since the beginning of the year, the survey noted.
As many as 51 per cent respondents felt no change in their mental / emotional behaviour since 2021.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.