A national survey finds that while most Americans are worried about the COVID-19 virus, they are willing to make sacrifices during the pandemic for the greater good.
Research America questioned 600 U.S. adults between March 26-29 to collect their observations on a variety of issues related to the pandemic. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus four percent.
The survey found that 87 percent of those questioned express at least some level of fear or anxiety about the coronavirus outbreak and 35 percent are “extremely concerned.”
“We are at a critical time when many Americans are personally impacted in multiple ways by COVID-19,” said Rex Repass, President of Research America. “During the next several weeks many may have a family member or close friend with a positive coronavirus test.”
Most Americans say they are willing to make sacrifices during the pandemic.
Seventy-five percent of those questioned agree that extreme measures are necessary to protect the public. Two-thirds agree with the statement that they can live with the restrictions indefinitely if they prevent widespread illness and death.
“Most Americans are willing to adhere to their stay-at-home order if it’s for the greater good,” Repass said. The vast majority of those questioned say that measures such as canceling public events, travel bans closing schools and restricting visitation to hospitals and nursing homes are appropriate to keep people healthy.
However not everyone shares those concerns. One in four of those questioned feels that social distancing and other limitations go too far. For example, seventeen percent say closing restaurant dining rooms during the pandemic is not necessary.
Two-thirds say measures such as paid sick days for recovery from the virus, expanded unemployment benefits, low interest loans for businesses and loan deferrals will help the economy recover.
Despite all the layoffs that have occurred, about half of those questioned still believe their jobs are secure. Forty-seven percent are either extremely confident or very confident they will keep their job through the pandemic. Sixteen percent are not confident, and seven percent say they have already been temporarily laid off or lost their job.
There continues to be a lot of speculation that this event will change life forever in the United States and the world, but in what ways? This survey found that 42 percent believe things will stay about the same, 18 percent say the world will be worse than before, while 40 percent say life will be better.
Of those who said the world will be better as a result of the pandemic, most agreed that people will have a better appreciation for what’s important in life, while 46 percent said people will take better care of their health.
Repass believes the survey confirms that Americans are rising to this historic challenge. “The poll results show that altruism is alive and well throughout the U.S. with Americans continually demonstrating selfless acts for the well-being of others.”
That is reassuring during this difficult time.