A new poll, released on Thursday, suggests Albertans are the least afraid in Canada to return to work.

The poll, by KPMG, said 90 per cent of Albertans believe COVID-19 is far from over and 57 per cent are not afraid of returning to their physical workplace despite how contagious the virus is.

Also, 87 per cent of Albertans trust their employer to take and maintain all necessary health and safety precautions, well above the 82 per cent national average.

“While Albertans are the least afraid in Canada about returning to their workplace, they are placing a great deal of trust in their employers to manage their return and in keeping them safe,” said Stavros Demetriou, a partner in KPMG’s people and change management consulting practice, based in Calgary. “The pandemic is forcing every employer in the country to adopt comprehensive protocols and safety measures, and to look at new ways of staying connected to their employees.”

Nationally, 94 per cent of people believe COVID-19 is far from over. Also, 54 per cent of Canadians are afraid to return to the workplace.