Q2 2021 – Press Release – Travel Restrictions

MEDIA RELEASE: JULY 2021

Two-thirds of residents support the Island’s new travel restrictions

BERMUDA: Throughout the pandemic, the Government has placed travel restrictions in an effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. This quarter, we wanted to understand the level of awareness among Bermuda residents and how supportive they are of the current measures. Results suggest that virtually all residents on the Island (97%) are aware of the restrictions that were put in place starting in June, while few were unaware (2%) or unsure (1%).

Residents, regardless of their awareness of these restrictions, were also asked the extent to which they support or oppose these new travel restrictions. Overall, two-thirds are in support (64%), and results are fairly consistent across parishes. Across demographics, support is strongest among men (72%) and higher-income earners (82%). Younger residents are also more likely to ‘completely support’ the proposed travel restrictions, compared to residents over the age of 35 years.

Among the minority who are opposed to the new travel restrictions (31% of residents), the primary reason is because of the cost it will incur for travellers, followed by mentions that you shouldn’t have to quarantine at a hotel and should be allowed to do so at home (27%). Fewer than two in ten each also mention that it discriminates against unvaccinated people/is unfair (17%) and is too controlling/restricts freedom (16%).

These results are part of Narrative Research Bermuda’s Online Bermuda Omnibus® Survey conducted in June 2021 with a sample of adult residents of Bermuda (18 years of age or older). The results above are not commissioned by a third party and were collected independently by Narrative Research Bermuda. The results presented in this document were collected from our online survey of 320 members of Narrative Research Bermuda’s proprietary online panel of adult residents, Bermuda Voice. A margin of error cannot be ascribed to the online survey results.

For more information, please contact:

Graham Redford, Managing Partner, Narrative Research Bermuda. Email: graham@narrativeresearch.bm  

Margaret Chapman, COO and Partner, Narrative Research. Email: mchapman@narrativeresearch.bm