ABS reintroduces surveys to measure ongoing COVID-19 impacts

With the effects of COVID-19 continuing to be felt across Australia, the ABS is temporarily reintroducing two surveys measuring impacts of the pandemic on businesses and households.

The Business Conditions and Sentiments survey and Household Impacts of COVID-19 survey will provide reliable, timely insights into the pandemic for governments, businesses, researchers and the broader community.

The first data from the Business Conditions and Sentiments survey will be released on 11 February 2022. It will provide insights into the financial resilience of businesses, workforce absences and supply chain impacts.

The first data from the Household Impacts of COVID-19 survey will be released in the first half of March. It  will provide insights into how the pandemic is affecting people’s ability to work and take part in activities, attend schools and childcare and what kinds of precautions people are taking.

Both surveys will be conducted by phone and have been designed so results can be compared to previous results where possible.

The data from these rapid response surveys complements information the ABS produces to provide insights into the impact of COVID-19 disruptions on the economy and the lives of Australians.

We appreciate this continues to be a difficult time for Australians and Australian businesses and are grateful for your contribution to Australia’s official statistics.

Dr David Gruen

Australian Statistician

8 February 2022