The EMRS polling of Tasmanians’ views on coronavirus restrictions was commissioned by Federal Group

A survey by Tasmania’s largest hospitality group has surprising results, showing most Tasmanians are more concerned with the long-term effects of the virus, rather than catching it.

TASMANIA’S major hospitality employer has commissioned polling on Tasmanians’ attitudes to coronavirus and the economic impacts of the shutdown.

In March Federal Group stood down 1500 staff, as coronavirus restrictions shut down all bars, casinos, hotels, and restaurants.

Federal Group Executive General Manager Corporate Affairs Daniel Hanna said the polling showed Tasmanians were now more worried about the impact of coronavirus on jobs, the economy and businesses, than their health or finances.

Daniel Hanna executive general manager Federals Group announces the company has shed 1500 jobs across Tasmania in the wake of effects from the coronavirus-COVID-19 pandemic. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Dr Hanna said the EMRS survey of 1000 Tasmanians also showed a high proportion of Tasmanians had taken steps to protect themselves and others as a result of the pandemic.

MORE NEWS:

• PM’s Sheean call ‘absolutely disgusting’, says senator
• $21.7M UTAS tender awarded to major firm
• Premier dismisses calls for power handouts for winter

“47 per cent of Tasmanians have already downloaded the COVID Safe app and another 6 per cent say they will download it in the future, putting the state well ahead of the national rate … this should give the Tasmanian people and Tasmanian Government confidence that, as restrictions are eased, Tasmanians will be behaving responsibly and in a way that minimises the risks of future transmission,” he said.

Last month the Tasmanian Hospitality Association called on Mr Gutwein to “take control” of decisions on restrictions in Tasmania and allow pubs and bars to open in the same way as restaurants.