More than 70% Pakistanis wear a mask for protection against coronavirus, survey reveals

• Gallup Pakistan recently conducted a survey to ask people about the precautions they are taking against coronavirus
• 78% of the respondents say they wear a mask to save themselves from contracting the virus 
• The survey was conducted between December 24, 2020, and January 15, 2021

As many as 78% of Pakistan's population seems to be concerned about their health and is taking preventative measures against COVID-19, a new survey has found.

Conducted by Gallup Pakistan, in collaboration with Jang-Geo News Polls, more than 1,000 partook in the survey. According to the results, the majority of the masses (78%) are using a mask to save themselves from the novel coronavirus. 

The survey was conducted between December 24, 2020, and January 15, 2021. 

Preventative measures

When survey recipients were asked about "what preventative measures they are taking against COVID-19," 78% said that they are using a mask. Meanwhile, 51% said that they wash their hands frequently. Some 47% of the respondents indicated that they use a hand sanitiser to keep themselves safe from the virus, while 27% of people said they used gloves.

Read more: COVID-19 vaccine: AstraZeneca seeks registration in Pakistan, say sources

About 19% said they prefer staying at home most of the time to prevent themselves from contracting the infection, while 4%  opined that quarantining at home is the safest way to prevent the virus from spreading. On the other hand, 13% of the respondents said that they are not taking any kind of precautions against the virus.

Worry about people not wearing a mask

When asked about feeling worried in public places when people avoid wearing masks, 50% of the respondents said they do not feel worried about it. Meanwhile, 46% said they feel worried when people do not wear a mask in public.

When asked about shops and shopping centres which people frequent without wearing a mask, 51% said they do not feel worried about it, while 46% said they feel concerns for their safety. 

In terms of offices, 50% of professionals said they do not feel worried when their coworkers come to work without a mask, while 46% said they feel concerned for their safety when their colleagues show up without a mask.

Neighbours taking precautions 

When asked if people's neighbours wear a mask, 57% said they have observed their neighbours wearing a mask, whereas about 42% indicated that their neighbours do not wear a mask.

Read more: 65% of Pakistanis are happy despite all problems in life, Gallup survey shows