The pandemic will leave serious financial scarring with the economic fallout expected to last for up to two years, many households believe.
A new report warns that more than half of consumers feel that Covid-19 has had a negative impact on their financial circumstances.
This is compared with just 12pc who saw an improvement over recent months.
The results from the KBC Bank Consumer Confidence Index for February are an indication that Covid-19 is set to have a lasting financial legacy.
Many households are spending more on costs like heating and electricity at a time when their incomes are down.