Here's how comfortable readers feel about social gatherings and sending children back to school

Readers are split over how safe it is to meet with family members or small groups – while many parents say they wouldn’t feel comfortable sending their children back to school.
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According to the results of our latest lockdown survey, most readers also suggested it’s still too early to reopen cafes and bars, but many are starting to feel better about visiting popular destinations such as beaches, parks and beauty spots.

Over the weekend we posted a series of questions, ranging from personal safety to the Government’s response to Covid-19, across our North East titles - with hundreds taking part.

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When asked how comfortable they felt visiting family, 31.71 per cent voted ‘very comfortable’, 32.79 per cent said ‘somewhat comfortable’, 18.16 per cent ‘not very comfortable’ and 15.72 per cent ‘not comfortable at all.’

South Marine Park after lockdown measures were eased in May.South Marine Park after lockdown measures were eased in May.
South Marine Park after lockdown measures were eased in May.

As expected, less people voted very comfortable when asked about meeting in small groups (22.49 per cent) or returning to work (17.89 per cent).

Readers were also asked how they felt about sending children back to school, with only 11.11 per cent voting ‘very comfortable’, 10.3 per cent ‘somewhat comfortable’, 9.76 per cent ‘not very comfortable’ and 39.02 per cent ‘not very comfortable at all.’ The other 29.81 per cent said they were not sure or applicable.

When it came to visiting popular destinations, 17.89 per cent said they felt ‘very comfortable’, 33.06 per cent ‘somewhat comfortable’, 24.39 per cent ‘not very comfortable’ and 23.85 per cent ‘not comfortable at all.’

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In comparison, 10.84 per cent said they would feel ‘very comfortable’ eating at a cafe or restaurant, with 17.07 per cent voting ‘somewhat comfortable’, 25.2 per cent ‘not very comfortable’ and 44.99 per cent ‘not comfortable at all.’

Results also showed that 81.57 per cent of readers would feel at least a little more confident if readily available testing was accessible.

That was a higher confidence figure than NHS mobile apps for tracking infections and mandatory wearing of face coverings in public places.

Readers were also split when asked if people were sticking to social distancing rules, with 8.43 per cent voting ‘very closely’, 33.43 per cent ‘somewhat closely’, 33.43 per cent ‘not very closely’ and 24.72 per cent ‘not at all closely.’

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