WINNIPEG – To prevent the spread of COVID-19, public health officials are asking Manitobans to stay home and celebrate small this winter, but an Angus Reid survey suggests many still plan to visit with friends and family.

The study, which involved a collaboration with Hamilton-Ontario based think tank Cardus, found that 20 per cent of Manitobans are planning to travel locally, and 5 per cent had plans to travel to other communities, including those outside the province. A fifth of those polled said they’re not concerned about family or friends getting sick from the virus.

The study also found that Canadians who celebrate ceremonial traditions or faith practices around Christmas will rely heavily on technology to do so while following public health guidelines. 9 per cent of them say they’ll use mobile apps, and 45 per cent say they plan to participate in church services online this year.