Maltese more fearful, frustrated over COVID-19 than EU average, survey says

People in Malta feel more uncertain, frustrated and fearful over the pandemic than those in other EU countries, a fresh EU survey has shown.

According to the data, 65 per cent of the people surveyed in Malta said the pandemic had led them to have feelings of uncertainty. This was notably higher than the EU average of 45 per cent.

Similarly, while the EU average for feelings of fear stood at 22 per cent, in Malta this climbed to 35 per cent.

And the ongoing struggles with the pandemic also led to more people in Malta feeling frustrated (41 per cent) than in the rest of Europe (34 per cent). 

On the other hand, 38 per cent of respondents expressed a sense of hope for the future - similar to the eU average.

The vast majority of people in Malta - 83 per cent - still say health should be prioritised over the economy when dealing with the pandemic.

In its latest public opinion survey commissioned by the European Parliament and carried out in March and April, those interviewed were asked their views on the ongoing issues related to the pandemic. 

According to the data, despite the vast majority wanting the authorities to prioritised health, over 50 per cent said they were financially...