Coronavirus (COVID-19) and society: what matters to people in Scotland?

Conclusion

• This research has captured the diversity and complexity of people’s experiences.
• People’s experiences of the pandemic and their ability to stay safe has been impacted by a range of factors, including: their geographical environment, their financial situation, profession, their living situation and if they have any physical or mental health conditions.
• Even though the direct level of threat from COVID-19 has reduced (for some people), there is still concern about the longer term harm and disruption that COVID-19 has caused to people and communities, and worry about the threat of future waves of infection.
• This report captures a number of specific suggestions for support. For example, support for key workers, creating safer public environments, wide-scale financial support, greater awareness around the experiences of those who are at higher risk to COVID-19 and putting in place robust processes for learning and reflection on the impact of the pandemic.
• Public engagement in this open and unfiltered format is an essential part of making sense of people’s attitudes and behaviours within the context of their life.