Half of Americans personally knows someone with COVID-19, and one in five of us know of an individual who has died from the disease, a new poll shows.
Politically, the numbers were pretty even across the board. Fifty-five percent of Democrats said they knew someone who tested positive, compared to 49% of Republicans, and 44% of Independents.
The data, according to Axios, shows how pervasive the crisis has become. Just a month ago, only 41% said they knew of someone who tested positive for the virus. Other health issues also were noted in the weekly poll. About 38% of Americans said they have gained weight, and that number was even higher for those in self-quarantine, according to statistics.
The poll, called the Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index, said that one-third of our workforce is still working remotely as we struggle through this pandemic. Experts say that one of the biggest fears Americans face returning to work is “elevator anxiety.” A full 74% of the Axios-Ipsos poll said they considered riding in an elevator with other people as a “large or moderate” risk. This can affect the reopening of large companies, experts said.
The good news is that 36% of Americans said they are spending more quality time with their children.
“The coronavirus is becoming a reality for most people and it will only increase,” said Cliff Young, president of Ipsos U.S. Pubic Affairs. “
The poll showed that many of us have lost faith in our leaders to handle the COVID-19 crisis, according to Axios. Fewer than a third of the country trusts the federal government and only 50% trust state governments.
Lynn C. Allison ✉
Lynn C. Allison, a Newsmax health reporter, is an award-winning medical journalist and author of more than 30 self-help books.
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