An online survey carried out by Public Health Sudbury and Districts showed that the majority of participants followed the many precautions that were prescribed for reducing risk from the COVID-19 virus.
The survey which was done over a 12-day period from April 29 to May 10, had more than 1,400 responses, mostly from Greater Sudbury.
Responses were broken down into those who lived in Sudbury (91 per cent) versus those who lived in the wider district served by the health unit.
Among other things, it showed that 91 per cent of respondents washed their hands more often and more regularly to reduce risk of COVID-19 exposure. Survey takers also revealed they avoided leaving home for the same reason (87 per cent); they practised social distancing (86 per cent), and; eliminated visits with friends and non-immediate family members (85 per cent).
The survey also showed most respondents tried to stop touching their faces (79 per cent), most connected with friends and family by going online (76 per cent) and most shopped alone without family members or friends (75 per cent).
Only about half of those surveyed admitted to stocking up on essential groceries (53 per cent).
On the lower side of the scale, only 40 per cent of Sudburians admitted to wearing a face mask outside of the home. Only 34 per cent said they stayed home if they suspected they were ill.
Those who used a delivery service for groceries, prescriptions or take-out meals amounted to 32 per cent.
On personal matters, 79 per cent of Sudbury respondents said they had the support of family members or friends while 59 per cent said they took part in physical activity for more than 30 minutes in a seven-day period.
Fifty-six per cent took part in an enjoyable hobby or activity and 54 per cent made a point to eat healthy and wholesome meals.
Only 13 per cent of the respondents revealed they had applied for economic relief subsidies and eight per cent said they attended spiritual services online.
Another part of the survey focused on the overall impact of COVID-19 with references to mental health, physical health and social well-being.
It showed 55 per cent saying they were worried about their own mental health or that of others in their household.
Concern was also expressed by 50 per cent over the impact on their social life, or for those in the household.
A similar concern was expressed by 46 per cent for the safety of people whose health is known to be frail. Only 43 per cent admitted they were worried about their own physical health.
In terms of "personal safety" that number concern dropped to 33 per cent. It was 32 per cent for concern over the loss of in-person health related services.
The impact of COVID-19 on children's education, for your own child or others, was reported at 31 per cent.
Only 25 per cent expressed concern over the loss of personal or household income.
The survey also asked respondents to reveal what sources they relied on to stay informed about COVID-19.
News outlets ranked at the top with 82 per cent, followed by 69 per cent for regular updates from local public health, 62 per cent for federal health agencies and 67 per cent for provincial health agencies.
Only 52 per cent relied on municipal health agencies, while Facebook was relied on at 38 per cent; workplace, colleges and universities at 23 per cent; friends, neighbours and family at 21 per cent. Twitter held the low spot at nine per cent.
The survey also showed that 60 per cent of the respondents were between the ages of 25 and 54 years and that most of them, 74 per cent, were women.
As the health unit revealed the details of the COVID-19 survey, it also revealed that another survey is now underway. It is a community survey focusing on mental health, substance use and injury prevention. That survey is seeking answers from persons aged 16 and older. That survey closes Wednesday July 15, 2020 at midnight.
