How the pandemic affects business

COVID-19 has changed us all in many ways, and despite the various stages of reopening, many of us remain cautious, not having yet resumed the activities of our pre-pandemic LPRE-COVID levels of various activities.

We found out that 71% have returned to shopping for groceries in-person, but most have not resumed their more discretionary outings: only 40% have returned to shopping and browsing for non-essential items in-person, 38% have returned to dining in-person at restaurants, 20% have gone back to pre-pandemic levels of participating in sports, and 9% have resumed attending live performances of arts and culture.

We also asked what is preventing people from resuming their pre pandemic in-person levels of activities, and across the board, people are waiting for a greater proportion of the population to be vaccinated. They also told us that many places are too crowded, making them feel unsafe. Others told us that they don’t yet feel safe doing certain activities in person at all, or that they now prefer to shop or order online instead. Some mentioned that they are now doing other activities instead, or that they can’t afford the expense of resuming that type of activity.

These changes have a real impact not only on our economies, but also on our wellbeing and sense of normalcy.

As increasing numbers of Atlantic Canadians become double-vaccinated, it is important that we understand what it will take to resume our lives in full. We know that people are most looking forward to not having to wear a mask in public anymore. This is understandable, especially in the hot summer months. But we were curious to understand the decision-making process, and what will actually get consumer confidence back up so that we can return to many of the ‘normal’ activities we used to all take part in before the pandemic — everything from dining in restaurants, gathering in larger groups, going to work in-person, shopping, travelling and attending live arts and sports.

To understand what it would take, we asked our panel what businesses could do to minimize consumer stress and make customers feel more comfortable undertaking activities inperson. They told us that when a business requires patrons to wear masks, particularly those who are unvaccinated, it helps. They also said that they would feel more comfortable if they see enforcement of social distancing, clear signs of cleaning and sanitizing, and limited capacity indoors. These same things were mentioned when we asked what was important to people when they choose where to shop — they want to see cleaning, masks, social distancing, limits on numbers and interestingly, half told us it’s important to know that staff are vaccinated.

Perhaps not surprisingly, vaccines are a hot topic. Two thirds of Atlantic Canadians told us they believe employees working in retail, restaurants or personal services should be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 if they interact directly with the public. Further, six-in-ten believe that private sector employers should be allowed to require employees to be vaccinated.

So what can a business do to encourage people to get back out and resume their ‘normal’ activities? Showcase your protocols — ensure that customers can see you are cleaning and sanitizing, requiring masks and enforcing the rules on social distancing. If you are able to communicate about your employees’ vaccination status, it will clearly be reassuring to many potential customers.

Results discussed include survey results from an online survey conducted July 13 - 19, 2021 with 1,520 Atlantic Canadians from Narrative Research’s online panel, East Coast Voice. As a non-probability sample (i.e., a panel sample where residents have joined a panel to share their opinions), and in accordance with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards, a margin of error is not applied.