Victorians at their wit’s end with Dan Andrews’ as huge numbers believe lockdown WORSE than Covid

Almost half of all Victorians believe the economic effects of lockdown have become worse than the dangers of Covid, according to new research. 

Data released by market research firm Bastion Insights this week reveals 49 per cent of Victorians believe the burden of lockdown outweighs the risk of catching Covid. 

Only 30 per cent of those surveyed thought lockdowns were required and 21 per cent were undecided. 

Melbourne’s lockdown is not expected to lift until 70 per cent vaccination rates are met which is estimated to be about October 26 (pictured Melbourne on Monday) 

Victorians were also more dissatisfied about how the government has handled outbreaks than any other state or territory. 

Only 41 per cent of residents agreed with the Andrews government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, while less than a third were happy with the federal government’s efforts at just 27 per cent.   

As of 8pm on Sunday Melburnians will have spent 245 cumulative days in lockdown, the most out of any city in the world. 

That beats Argentinian capital Buenos Aires which spent 234 days in lockdown in 2020 plus a 10-day circuit breaker lockdown in May this year.

Melbourne will end up far exceeding this record with the current roadmap indicating lockdowns will not be lifted until 70 per cent vaccination is reached – which is about October 26. 

Only 41 per cent of those surveyed agreed with the Andrews government’s Covid response (pictured: police and protesters in Melbourne in October) 

Businesses have been doing it tough in Melbourne locals unable to visit the city’s famous cafe’s and bars (pictured: Lygon St in Carlton) 

The Bastion figures also showed public opinion was split on mandatory jabs for the workplace with 58 per cent agreeing employers should be able to make vaccines compulsory for their staff.

The Victorian government has this month mandated that 1.2million authorised workers get vaccinated in the next two weeks or risk losing their jobs. 

Bastion Insights executive director Dianne Gardiner said over the next few months the issue was ‘likely to force confrontation’. 

Tradespeople are ready to get back on the tools as a pause on construction is lifted across Melbourne and other locked down areas.

Construction workers can return to worksites on Tuesday, after a two-week shutdown, as long as they meet strict safeguards and have at least had their first coronavirus vaccination. 

Looking at the country as a whole, 72 per cent of all Australians were worried about their financial situation because of Covid lockdowns. 

About as many thought getting vaccinated was everyone’s responsibility at 73 per cent – though more than half of also believe everyone should have the right to choose to be vaccinated at 54 per cent.

The majority agreed that those who choose not to get the jab should also be subject to penalties, however, such as being denied access to venues.

Proof of vaccination was supported by 77 per cent of people in relation to international flights, 68 per cent for sporting events and concerts, and more than 50 per cent for gyms, retail venues, schools, and public transport.  

Only 6 per cent of Australians actively do not intend to be vaccinated, according to the data. 

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews (pictured) has made vaccines mandatory for 1.2million workers