SWS: Most Filipinos hopeful worst of COVID-19 'behind us'

A survey released by Social Weather Stations (SWS) on Monday showed that 93% of adult Filipinos are hopeful that the "worst of the COVID-19 crisis in the Philippines is behind us".

The result is the highest percentage since SWS began conducting the survey in 2020 on whether respondents felt the worst of the pandemic is over or the worst is yet to come.

Based on the latest survey, which was conducted from December 10-14 2022, only 6% of Filipinos believe that the worst is yet to come. 

The SWS said since December 2021 large majorities believe that the worst is over. The latest figure is also an improvement from the 91% result in similar surveys done in June 2022 and September to October 2022.

However, the same survey also showed that 78% of Filipinos are still worried about catching the virus. From that number 59% are worried "a great deal", 18% are "somewhat worried", 9% are "worried a little", and 13 %  are "not worried" about a possible infection. 

The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with a sample size of 1,200 adults nationwide with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8%.  —Vince G. Lopez, GMA Integrated News