Nearly one-third of Canadians broke pandemic restrictions: survey

A nationwide survey asked 1,000 respondents to what degree they've followed public health orders and where they've received pandemic-related information.

The survey by the Canadian Hub for Applied and Social Research at the University of Saskatchewan conducted between June 1 and June 14 found that respondents followed isolation requirements and were honest on COVID-19 screening questions, the Canadian Press reported. 29 percent of people surveyed broke at least one COVID-19 measure, typically failing to wear a mask and disregarding gathering limits—especially younger people in Quebec and on the Prairies.

Of the respondents who disregarded public health measures, 62 percent said they've felt it was justified. 27 percent rationalized wanting to see friends and family. 17 percent believed that they were violating restrictions in a safe way.

21 percent said the measures broken made no sense because they're fully vaccinated. 7 percent said they didn't believe the pandemic exists or is an issue.

The survey also indicated that 88 percent of people relied on online or TV news outlets to receive COVID-19 updates, while 70 percent infrequently used government websites. 35 percent received news from social media and 71 percent by word of mouth. Concerns have emerged on the role social media had in spreading misinformation and creating confusion on COVID-19 health measures. 22 percent of respondents also reported parting ways with someone close over conflicting opinions of the coronavirus pandemic.