It’s been an historic year for all Aussies since major COVID-19 restrictions were introduced by the Prime Minister on 18 March 2020. Australia might have fared better than some of our counterparts overseas, but the impacts on our lives has been no less significant.
The ABS has taken a look at how Aussies responded to COVID-19 and the impacts it had on our health, wellbeing, lifestyle, finances and employment. See how Aussies dealt with our ‘new normal’ by exploring data from our key statistical releases, main economic indicators and COVID-19 rapid response products.
The animated version of the below infographic is available on the ABS YouTube channel.
Image
Description
We took COVID-19 precautions in April (bar graph). Kept distance from people: Men 98%, Women 99%. Avoided public spaces: Men 84%, Women 92%. Cancelled personal gatherings: Men 84%, Women 89%. Source: Household Impacts of COVID-19, April 1-6.
We focused on our health. 3 in 10 Aussies made physical health a priority. Source: Household Impacts of COVID-19, January 2021.
We moved out of the city. 11,200 of us moved to regional areas in the September quarter—the largest net loss in 20 years. Source: Regional internal migration estimates, provisional, September 2020.
We felt the pinch. In April, 1 in 3 people’s household finances worsened. Source: Household Impacts of COVID-19, April 2020.
We worked from home more compared to before COVID-19 – 30% in February 2020 compared to 49% in February 2021. Source: Household Impacts of COVID-19 February 2021.
We panic bought, especially canned food, pasta, rice and toilet paper. Bar-graph depicts spike in non-perishable goods from January to May 2020. Source: Supermarket spending, December 2020 - Supplementary COVID-19 analysis.
We felt lonely and overwhelmed. In early May 22% of us were suffering loneliness. In April, 1 in 4 of us felt like everything was an effort. Source: Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey, April 29 – May 4 and Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey, April 14-17.
We loved our pets. 35% spent more time with pets.
We had more screen time. 44% of us spent more time on phones, computers and watching TV.
Looking ahead… We want some things to continue.Most of us will get the vaccine – 3 in 4 Aussies said we would get a COVID-19 vaccine. Source: Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey, December 2020. 1 in 3 want to spend more time with family and friends and 1 in 4 want: less environmental impact, to spend less/save more, and a slower pace of life. Source: Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey, November 2020.