70% residents know how to contain COVID-19

Imran Mojib, Special Correspondent

As the world battles against Coronavirus, a recent study has revealed that majority of the UAE residents are well-informed on how to best contain the virus. The study, which took into account both hygiene and social distancing concluded that between 60 and 70 per cent of the residents were aware of the ‘touchpoints’ on how Covid-19 spreads and the ways to stop it.

The survey, conducted by Kantar – one of the world’s largest research agencies, interviewed a diverse segment of the UAE population to understand how the behaviour and lifestyle is evolving in the light of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Results revealed that 72 per cent of the respondents knew that washing hands frequently with soap and water could help fight the disease, while 60 per cent believed that using a tissue when coughing and sneezing was important in containing the virus. Around 64 per cent answered in affirmative that avoiding contact with people who are unwell is important, while 67 per cent agreed that not touching our faces with unwashed hands is essential to avoid the infection.

When queried on ways one can catch Covid-19, 70 per cent of respondents identified close contact with infected persons by means of touch, as well as through cough and sneezes. Around 65 per cent agreed that contact with contaminated surfaces could be another culprit.

According to 20 per cent respondents, the virus could be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or birth, 56 per cent believed that one should avoid traveling on public transport (buses/trains) and 48 per cent felt that one can build immunity through Vitamin C tablets and supplements. Only 10 per cent responded that eating excessive non-vegetarian food could cause Covid-19.

Commenting on the study, Kantar CEO Middle East-Insights Division Amol Ghate said, “It’s quite encouraging to see that UAE residents are well-aware of the dos and don’ts of Covid-19. This study was the first among the series that Kantar plans to conduct in order to gauge the public behaviour as the situation unfolds resulting in a constant change in dynamics”.

In the past month, the UAE has initiated several platforms to create awareness among the residents in order to curb the spread of Coronavirus and introduced measures to encourage social distancing and health hygiene.