Most Canadians don’t expect to return to their pre-COVID lives any earlier than next fall, according to a new Angus Reid Institute survey released Tuesday.
The poll reveals 63% of respondents said they don’t think things will go back to how they were before the COVID-19 pandemic until near the end of next year, with 20% saying they don’t think life in Canada will ever return to “the way it was” at all.
The results show pessimism exists despite the COVID-19 vaccine rollout picking up speed, with new and more severe lockdown restrictions across the country putting a damper on holiday season festivities.
The survey also looked at what activities Canadians are looking forward to once restrictions are lifted and the pandemic passes. Forty-four per cent said they are looking forward to resuming day-to-day activities without stress.
In all 42% said they’re eager to travel internationally, while 20% intend to travel within Canada. A post-pandemic surge in travel would be a much-needed boost for the airline industry, which has been hard-hit by the virus.
The survey also finds 32% of respondents said they are most excited to be able to dine in at restaurants. About one-in-10 respondents said he or she intends to go to concerts, gym or fitness classes, the movies, or sporting events.
Meanwhile, 43% said they’re looking forward to just resuming physical contact with other people, while 24% said they’d like to get together with older people they haven’t been able to meet during the pandemic.