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Most Canadians support second lockdown if COVID-19 caseloads spike

The survey also probed respondents on their views around wearing masks in public, on the return to school in the fall and anxiety over reopening plans.
Two people wearing personal protective equipment, including respirators and coverall suits in-line s
Two people wearing personal protective equipment, including respirators and coverall suits in-line skate on the seawall at Stanley Park in Vancouver on Sunday, April 5, 2020.

Most Canadians support a second round of shuttering businesses and self-isolating at home should the country see a spike in COVID-19 cases. 

That’s according to a poll conducted by Nanos Research on behalf of the Globe and Mail between July 26 and 30.

Of the 1,094 people surveyed across the country, 73% said they would either support a second lockdown (50%) or somewhat support such measures (23%) amid a COVID-19 resurgence. Another quarter either oppose such actions (13%) or somewhat oppose them (12%).

Those living in Atlantic Canada (84%), Ontario (83%) and British Columbia (78%) either supported or somewhat supported a renewed closure of businesses, whereas those in Quebec (56%) and the Prairies (67%) were less supportive.

An ealier July poll conducted by the Angus Reid Institute found half of Canadians expected a second wave lockdown, with British Columbians among the most likely to predict another round of self-isolation and closures.

The survey also probed respondents on their views around wearing masks in public, on the return to school in the fall and anxiety over reopening plans.

A strong majority told the pollster they would support (72%) or somewhat support (15%) mandatory mask wearing policies in indoor public places. Only a combined 12% said they would oppose or somewhat oppose such a measure.

Close to 80% said provinces should find a way to send kids back to school in the fall, though at 65%, British Columbians were least likely to say it was either important or somewhat important.

B.C. residents were also most likely to express anxiety over contracting COVID-19 as jurisdictions across the country relax social distancing rules and reopen public life.