CareHealth Plus Systems International Inc.

94% of Filipinos are worried about COVID-19, with 38% indicating their income dropped by >50%. Meanwhile, online shopping and spending on necessities are here to stay.

Manila, Philippines–Many Filipinos believe that they have adapted to the restrictions and routine of the new normal. However, 94% express worry that they can contract COVID-19 as found in the recent Ipsos Southeast Asia Study (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) on Living with COVID-19. The survey was conducted prior the end of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila over the period of 22nd to 26th May 2020 among 500 Filipinos.

Filipinos have also experienced significant impact on their household income due to community quarantine measures. 38% claimed that their income is down by more than 50%, the highest among six countries surveyed.

With the fear still imminent, Filipinos think that it will take them some time to revert to their pre-COVID-19 routines. Majority say that they can resume activities such as going to restaurants, visiting family and friends, and using public transportation around August to December this year. Recovery for travel, culture, and fitness industries might be longer as Filipinos most have expressed that they will neither go to cultural events/gatherings nor go to the gym for the remainder of the year. They are also still on a wait-and-see for domestic and international travel.

When asked what Filipinos plan to spend on after movement restrictions, spending on essentials will still continue: food for cooking at home, cleaning products, and personal care items. Filipinos will however minimize expenditures compared before on restaurants and cafes, travel, and cultural activities than before.