COVID-19 numbers in the U.S. are on the rise again. In the past two weeks, cases are up 5% while hospitalizations are up 11%. CivicScience tracking data show that Americans’ concern about being in public spaces has remained relatively flat week over week. Thirty-eight percent of U.S. adults say they’re “not at all concerned.” Still – it’s important to note that 62% of people still have some level of concern.
As of this week, 1 in 4 U.S. adults still expect that they’ll need to continue to follow public health measures for social distancing and self-isolation for more than six months.
The data continue to show that most consumers are becoming increasingly comfortable with the idea of shopping and dining out right now. More than 6 in 10 adults are comfortable going out to eat right now, which makes for the highest percentage we’ve seen to date.
People’s comfort shopping in stores right now has continued to increase this week. Currently, 7 in 10 adults are comfortable shopping in stores right now as opposed to waiting several weeks or months.
Summer 2021 Concerts and Festivals May Still Look Different
While summer is typically a time of concerts and festivals, CivicScience data show that despite the further distribution of vaccines, major events may not make an immediate comeback – at least not right now. As of this week, there was a significant 12% decrease in the percentage of U.S. adults who feel comfortable attending a major public event “right now”. Simultaneously, there was a roughly 20% increase in those who won’t feel comfortable attending an event for six months or more.
When specifically observing those who ARE interested in attending live events, most say they would like to see public health precautions taken – the two most popular being that the event is held outdoors and mask-wearing is enforced.
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