Plans to Dine Out and Travel by Plane Tick Up, But Concern About Access to COVID-19 Testing Spikes, Too

Overall concern about being in public spaces decreased by a notable amount in the most recent CivicScience syndicated coronavirus data (as of 8/27/2020).

For the first time since June, a quarter of Americans say they aren’t concerned about being in public spaces right now.

Right along with this decrease is one for people’s expectations for how long they’ll have to practice social distancing and self-isolation. Those who answered they think social distancing will have to be practiced for 6 or more months dropped to numbers last seen in June. 

However, consider that more than half of U.S. adults (52%) haven’t resumed normal activities post-lockdown. Most adults who have, though, are still doing so.

What’s clear is consumers who are getting back to their normal behaviors are becoming increasingly more comfortable. More adults than ever (44%) are also comfortable eating at a restaurant right now.

We’re seeing this pan out, as more individuals (29%) say they plan to dine in at a restaurant in the next week.

Right along with dining in, we’re finally starting to see airline travel on a slight trajectory towards recovery, as more adults (15%) say they plan to travel in the next month. 

It should be noted that only one-quarter of U.S. adults surveyed say they’re comfortable traveling now, which is consistent with the week prior.

Testing, Testing

What consumers are more concerned about this week however is access to testing for COVID-19. Interestingly enough, the CDC altered its recommended guidelines for who should be tested for coronavirus last week, which likely contributed to the change in the data.

 While we observed an increase in workers’ comfort getting back to the workplace in recent weeks, this declined slightly in the most current week of data. Still, it remains the highest it’s been since June.

To end on a positive note regarding the American worker, for the fourth consecutive week, we’re seeing fewer adults report that they think it will be more difficult to find a new job over the next 6 months. 

CivicScience is tracking dozens more questions about the impact of the coronavirus, plans, and intent, digging deep into demographics and more. Our clients get access to this reoccurring weekly syndicated report. Want in? Let’s talk.