This publication reports on the key features of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected ICT usage by households and individuals in the State. It is based on the results of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Household Survey, which collects data on households' access to, and individuals' use of the internet. The results of this survey are usually reported upon annually by the CSO and are based on a full quarter's data, but, to give users key insights into the changes in household and individual ICT usage arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, CSO has quickly analysed the results of this survey for three weeks in January and three weeks in March, beginning the 16th March, following the closure of schools, colleges, childcare facilities, cultural institutions, etc. and the commencement of the initial measures put in place by the Government, including stay at home measures and only essential workers continuing to go to their place of work.

This analysis is for the purpose of producing early indicators of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on households’ and individuals' use of the internet during this period. Analysis is provided across key socio-demographic characteristics, reflecting how COVID-19 has impacted the ICT usage of households and individuals.

Comparing data collected during the three weeks following initial Government measures put in place to contain the COVID-19 pandemic (three weeks commencing 16^th March) with a similar period in January (three weeks commencing 20^th January):

• Almost seven in every eight daily internet users (84%) used the internet Every day or almost every day, compared with 81% surveyed in January. See Table 1.1.
• Of these daily internet users, nearly one in ten (9%) use the internet All the time, compared with 7% in January. A further 22% stated that they use the internet Nearly all the time, an increase of three percentage points on a similar reference period in January. See Table 1.1 and Figure 1.1.
• The online purchase of Cleaning products or personal hygiene products (includes toothbrushes, washing detergents, etc.) doubled in March to 10% compared with 5% in January. See Table 1.1.
• Of internet users surveyed in March, one in six (16%) made online purchases in the previous three months of Furniture home accessories or gardening products, an increase of six percentage points on a similar period in January. See Table 1.1.
• One twelfth (8%) stated that they purchased Apps related to health or fitness, compared with just 3% in January. See Table 1.1.
• The online purchase of Tickets for cultural or other events (including cinema, concerts, fairs, etc.) dropped in March – 23% compared with 39% in January. See Table 1.1.
• Communicating with instructors or students using educational websites/portals almost doubled  – 13% of internet users in March compared with 7% in the corresponding survey period in January. See Table 1.1.