This paper reports the results of the third public opinion survey on COVID-19 conducted by the NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute. In this issue, the author examines how people’s attitudes and lives have changed amid the prolonged pandemic, especially focusing on how government policies aimed at what they call “with corona” (living with the coronavirus), such as the relaxation of behavioral restrictions that started in 2022, have affected women and the self-employed, on whom the pandemic has been taking a heavier toll. The key findings are as follows.
As many as 84% feel “uneasy” about the spread of infection, but this figure has been decreasing year by year. Compared to the past two surveys, the number of outing opportunities has increased, among which “walking/exercises” and “shopping” have notably recovered. On the other hand, those feeling stress have gradually increased. As in the past two surveys, women have a higher percentage of those feeling stress than men, and the relaxation of behavioral restrictions for “with corona” has had little impact on lowering the number. Those who cited “decrease in income” as a cause of stress account for 19% overall, but 50% for the self-employed. These figures are the same as in the past surveys, showing no sign of recovery yet.
As many as about 75% cited they would “wear a mask” (“more frequently than before” and “as much as possible” combined) even if the pandemic was contained. When asked the reasons, 90% cited “hygiene.” Among other reasons, “I don’t want to expose my face” was mentioned by 7% overall, and 16% for both men and women aged 18 through 39. Regarding “downgrading the legal classification of COVID-19,” about 60% were “in favor,” outnumbering “against.” The reasons for “in favor” include “COVID-19 is now less likely to become severe” and those for “against” include “more likely to be infected.”