40% believe world will be better than before coronavirus
While Americans have a high level of anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic, most are willing to make significant sacrifices and many are optimistic about the future.
They also believe government leaders are taking the appropriate actions, according to a new national Research America Inc. public opinion poll.
Sixty-one percent of Americans said they are “extremely or very concerned” about the coronavirus outbreak, though 13% are “not very or not at all concerned.” Nearly half, 47%, said the pandemic has had a significant negative impact on their personal life due to closures, cancellations, restrictions and food shortages, said Rex Repass, president of Research America Inc.
“We are at a critical time when many Americans are personally impacted in multiple ways by COVID-19. During the next several weeks many may have a family member or close friend with a positive coronavirus test,” Repass said. “However, most Americans are willing to adhere to their state’s stay-at-home order if it’s for the greater good, with 69% saying they can accept extreme limitations for more than a month if it helps to suppress the infection rate. Two-thirds go so far as to say they don’t care how long restrictions are in place if it prevents widespread illness and death.”
On the other hand, about one-quarter of respondents, 27%, feel the social distancing and other limitations go too far, and only 11% said they worry about transmitting the virus to others.
The poll of 600 U.S. adults also found that 75% agree with the extreme measures put in place to protect people from the coronavirus. A high number strongly support such measures as mass cancellations and closings (87%), travel bans (86%), restricted visitation at hospitals, nursing homes, etc. (86%) and the closing of borders (82%).
“The poll results also show that altruism is alive and well throughout the U.S. with Americans continually demonstrating selfless acts for the well-being of others,” Repass added. “People are clearly more concerned about a family member or friend getting sick than themselves.”
Nineteen percent are worried someone close to them will die compared to 12% who are worried about themselves dying.
The Center for Disease Control & Prevention received the highest job performance rating, 64% satisfaction followed by their state’s governor, 56%. A plurality (43% satisfied/33% dissatisfied) with President Donald Trump, 44% with Vice President Mike Pence with the balance unsure or having a “wait and see attitude.”
“This was highly dependent on political party,” Repass said. “As expected, more Republicans were satisfied with President Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, 73%, as compared to Democrats, 22%.
Although 20% are concerned about the virus causing a economic recession, very few are worried about permanently losing their job, only 7%, their company going out of business, 5%, or the loss of retirement income from stocks and 401k, 8%. More than half, 57%, feel confident that their job will be secure throughout the pandemic.
Americans believe there are brighter days ahead with 40% saying the world will be a “better place” after the virus has been controlled, compared to 18% who believe the world will be worse off. In a year or two, half believe the world will be a better place because people will have an appreciation for what is really important in life, 54%; there will be new advancements made in medicine, 52%; and people will be more compassionate, 35%.
The Research America, Inc. Covid-19 Public Opinion Poll was conducted March 26-29 among a sample of 600 U.S. adults over the age of 18.
