Results of the impact of COVID-19 on the socioeconomic situation of Curaçao (sms survey)

On the 24th of April 2020, the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) launched an internet survey on the impact of COVID-19 on the social-economic status of the population of 15 years and older. This survey was distributed through text message by Digicel and UTS, and through the digital online platforms of the government of Curaçao and CBS. The survey covered topics such as a sense of health and safety, labor, and provision in necessities. The questions concerning the topics, including the questions pertaining to demography, totaled to 18. The COVID-19 internet survey has been opened a total of 113.476 times. Of those who opened the survey, 24.535 (the weighted representation of women was 56.0% and men 44.0%) filled in the questionnaire. This is 27.9% of the population that has access to the internet, through the dwelling or via mobile, here in Curaçao. Which is 68.8% of the population as found in the ICT & Media survey that CBS conducted in 2017. Due to the collection method used these results are solely an indication for those with internet access at home or through their mobile and not the general public at large. CBS would like to thank all those who contributed to the execution of the survey and those who participated.

Main results of the COVID-19 survey 1.

Respondents generally gave their health value of 8.0 on a scale of 1 to 10

2. 63.4% of the respondents agreed or completely agreed with the statement that they feel as safe at home now, as before COVID-19
3. Of the respondents, 18.8% indicated that they earned less. 74.3% of this group indicated that their main source of income was out of labor/company
4. The approximation under those,15 – 65 years of age, who are looking for work was 18.1%, which gives an indication for those of the population with internet access and not the public in general.
5. 37.1% of those looking for work, were looking for more than 6 months
6. 84.3% indicated that they can provide their self and family with food and drink during the pandemic
7. 40.2% of the respondents are part of a household with children (younger than 18 years) and 59.8% are part of a household without children (18 and older)