The mask in public transport is considered by 86% of the population as one of the most important measures against Covid-19.
A man wearing a protective face mask awaits the arrival of a Geneva public transport tram (TPG). (illustrative image)
Keystone
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The mask in public transport is considered by a large part of the population to be one of the most important measures of the Confederation’s prevention campaign against Covid-19. In a representative survey, 84% of respondents cite this obligation.
In March, the compulsory wearing of a mask was not yet part of the campaign of the Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP): this measure was hardly mentioned at the time, according to a survey conducted by the Sotomo institute presented on Friday. Both at the start of the pandemic and now, more than 90% mention “social distance” as a rule to be observed.
Hand washing also remains very well established: this preventive measure is cited by 80% (against 92% in March). The share has certainly fallen a little, but the disinfection of hands and surfaces has on the other hand increased a little.
Highly increased use
Hygiene masks have not yet become widespread, but their use has increased significantly, regardless of the requirement to wear them on public transport. Before this last measurement, 16% of respondents said they sometimes wear a mask in public spaces. Currently 45% do so, excluding public transport.
The wearing of a mask has increased in all regions, but the gap between German-speaking Switzerland and Latin Switzerland has widened in this regard: across Sarine, 64% say they do not wear it in public spaces, against 31% in Switzerland. French-speaking and Italian.
Decline in information
A relative standardization is emerging with regard to information on the coronavirus: the enormous interest observed at the start of the pandemic is starting to decline. In mid-March, 82% said they learned about the virus from Swiss television. This share fell to 60%. However, television remains the preferred channel for the majority of respondents.
For the first time, the survey takes into account the SwissCovid application. As of mid-August, 1.3 million apps were activated. But 29% of respondents are still suspicious, believing that their data is not sufficiently protected. 35% don’t want state surveillance, 32% don’t want tracking enabled on their cell phones, and 30% feel the app is using too much battery power.
This is the 5th survey of its kind mandated by the FOPH. It was carried out between July 20 and 29 with 1,673 people.
ATS / NXP
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