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Australians uncomfortable with mass gatherings as restrictions ease: survey

Xinhua News,CANBERRA
2020-06-15 13:37

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CANBERRA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- A majority of Australians remain uncomfortable about attending mass gatherings because of coronavirus, according to the fifth Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Monday.

The survey found that 76 percent of respondents were uncomfortable about attending public events but 61 percent were looking forward to dining at cafes and restaurants as restrictions began to ease.

"The survey found the level of comfort felt by Australians in returning to their usual activities following the easing of restrictions, varied considerably depending on the type of activity," Michelle Marquardt, the ABS Program Manager for Household Surveys, said in a media release.

"The vast majority of working Australians, 86 percent, were at least somewhat comfortable in resuming their usual attendance at the workplace and of those with children, 81 percent were at least somewhat comfortable with sending their children back to school or childcare."

More than 60 percent of respondents were uncomfortable with returning to flying and 59 percent were uncomfortable about traveling by public transport.

A majority who were uncomfortable about public gatherings said that the development of a vaccine and lower daily infection rates would ease their concerns.

"Although restrictions were gradually easing, social distancing was still being observed, with 95 percent of Australians continuing to keep their distance from people outside their household and 79 percent avoiding social gatherings with people who do not live with them," Marquardt said.

With the government having acquired a record 17.5 million influenza vaccinations, 78 percent of respondents said they either had or intended to have the vaccine.
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